Resources 

All Libraries

Coleman, Anita.  Infophilia: A Positive Psychology of Information.  https://infophilia.substack.com/

Crum, P.  (2017).  Your reality might not be mine: Sensory perception and empathy.  TEDxLA.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYytiQmXNTc&t=3s

Mind Over Manner. (2019). Sensory audit guidelines: Creating sensory accessible spaces (PDF).

Penn Today.  (2025, Jan. 8). The psychology behind the well-being benefits of libraries.  https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/sas-positive-psychology-well-being-benefits-libraries-new-york

Snoezelen.  (2026).   History of Sensory Rooms.  https://snoezelen.info/history/

Spielmann, V.  (2021).  Your sensory health matters. Here's why.  TEDxMileHigh.  https://youtu.be/kkuFYKb1Acw?si=DxUxuMy8luda3svP

Public

Jamsky, J., & Alverson, S. (2024). Multi-sensory environments and inclusive sensory engagement at Durham County Library. North Carolina Libraries, 82(1). https://ncl.ecu.edu/index.php/NCL/article/download/5435/4998

Peterson, M. (2023). Libraries as felt spaces: Atmospheres, public space and feelings of dis/comfort. Emotion, Space and Society, 49, 100986.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S175545862300049X

Stormont, M., Cahill, M., Long, B. S., Adkins, D., Long, A. K., Daskalakes, D. T., ... & Russell, C. (2024). Libraries: Spaces for belonging, support, and partnerships. Young Exceptional Children, 27(2), 78-88. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/10962506241245967?casa_token=Fneh37jNysYAAAAA:OeI-LeAxkSALVEGpuEgdNL1O6rmEQnJ3tQtxI3J8tP5wh97YXIt5bQibzBFhWd2RjEg_RfLm4VCn

School

Lutz, M. C. (2020). Developing an inclusive collection with sensory and audiobooks. Canadian School Libraries Journal, 4(3).  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/03400352251318368

Merga, M. K. (2025). The library as a safe space in contemporary schools: An international study. IFLA Journal, 51(4), 1089-1097.

Spencer, B. (2025).  Creating sensory-friendly libraries.  Presentation for Berks County School Librarians Association.  https://pennstateoffice365-my.sharepoint.com/:p:/g/personal/dbs21_psu_edu/IQBno_AWlAGATZeyBHzBo1QXAfYJ9KyFf7qYKaNan363uRk?e=mGcvI5

Waring, A.  Sensory storytime: A (brief) how-to guide.  ALSC Blog.  https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2012/03/sensory-storytime-a-brief-how-to-guide/#:~:text=In%20order%20to%20truly%20make,7)%20Book

Wittmann, P., & Fisher-Allison, N. (2020). Intentionally creating a safe space for all: The school library as refuge. Knowledge Quest, 48(3).  https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/downloads/tb09jc90z

Academic

Boyer, A., & El-Chidiac, A. (2023). Come chill out at the library: Creating soothing spaces for neurodiverse students. Journal of New Librarianship, 8, 41-47. https://doi.org/10.33011/newlibs/13/5

Boyer, A. M., & El-Chidiac, A. (2025). Supporting neurodiverse students in academic libraries. Association of College & Research Libraries.

Frank, J. L., & Pawlak, J.  (2025). Making room for everyone: A practical guide to creating sensory spaces in libraries. The Journal of Creative Library Practice.  https://creativelibrarypractice.org/2025/06/24/making-room-for-everyone/

Landon, E. (2025). The need for sensory inclusion in academic libraries. Public Services Quarterly, 21(3), 237-249. 

Sensory-Friendly Libraries.  (2024).  Penn State Libraries.  https://sites.psu.edu/sensoryfriendlylibraries/

Walton, K., & McMullin, R. (2021). Welcoming autistic students to academic libraries through innovative space utilization. Pennsylvania Libraries, 9(2), 83-100.https://doi.org/10.5195/palrap.2021.259