Training & Workshops

Neurodiversity Training for Libraries, Archives and Information Services

The Neurodivergent Library and Information Staff Network (NLISN) now provides training that helps organisations build more neuro-inclusive workplaces, services and learning environments.

Whether you are supporting neurodivergent staff, serving neurodivergent users, or developing inclusive leadership practices, our training combines lived experience, professional expertise and real-world examples from libraries and information services.

Why Choose NLISN?

What makes NLISN different is our combined lived experience expertise and specialist focus on the library, archive and information sector.

Our trainers understand:

Academic libraries
Public libraries
School libraries
Archives and heritage services
Information and knowledge management
The unique challenges faced by neurodivergent library and information professionals

Our training is practical, evidence-informed and grounded in the lived experiences of neurodivergent people working across the profession.

Who Is Our Training For?

Our sessions are suitable for:

Individuals and organisations
Managers and team leaders
HR and People teams
Learning and development teams
University professional services staff
Library and information staff
Archives and heritage organisations
Library schools and LIS educators

Training can be delivered online or in person and can be adapted to suit organisations of any size.

Available Sessions

Inclusive Teaching in Libraries & Archives: Engaging Neurodivergent Learners Effectively

Designed for staff involved in teaching, induction, information literacy, training and outreach.

Participants will learn practical ways to create learning experiences that support neurodivergent students and learners while improving accessibility for everyone.

Building Accessible Library Services: Supporting Neurodivergent Users

Explore how library services, spaces and interactions can create barriers—or opportunities—for neurodivergent users.

Topics may include:

Sensory considerations
Communication approaches
Inclusive service design
Practical adjustments and improvements

Working in Neuroinclusive Teams: Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues

A practical introduction to understanding neurodiversity in the workplace.

Participants will develop a better understanding of common neurodivergent experiences and learn strategies for building more supportive and effective working relationships.

Leading Neurodiverse Teams: A Practical Guide for Managers

For managers who want to better support neurodivergent staff and create high-performing, inclusive teams.

Topics include:

Creating neuroinclusive workplaces
Communication
Reasonable adjustments
Managing performance
Psychological safety

Leading as a Neurodivergent Professional

A session designed specifically for neurodivergent managers, supervisors and aspiring leaders.

Participants will explore leadership approaches that work with their strengths, develop practical strategies and build confidence in their leadership role.

Bespoke Training

We offer tailored workshops that address your specific challenges, priorities and audiences.

Bespoke training can include:

Neurodiversity awareness with organisation specific examples
Building confidence leading neurodiverse teams
Library-specific case studies
Interactive activities and discussion
Policy and practice reviews
Combined staff and management programmes

Speak to us to discuss your requirements.

Pricing

Standard Training

Format	Price
2-hour webinar	£950
3-hour workshop	£1,200–£1,500
Recording

Bespoke Training

Format	Price
2-hour webinar	£1,250
3-hour workshop	£1,500–£1,800

Recordings of online sessions can be made and shared for accessibility where required.

Open Sessions for Individuals

Not looking for organisation-wide training? Join one of our scheduled public workshops. These online sessions include awareness sessions for those who are new to neurodiversity at work and sessions designed for individual library, archive and information professionals who want to develop their knowledge and skills in neuroinclusive practice. Places can be booked directly through Eventbrite.

Access to Work

Individual employees may be able to use funding from the UK Government’s Access to Work scheme to support neurodiversity training for their immediate team.

If you are considering this route, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Meet the Trainer

Andy Walsh

Andrew is a Neurodivergent National Teaching Fellow, librarian, trainer and founder member of NLISN.

In addition to running freelance workshops and training on topics such as teaching, leadership, and neurodiversity, bringing in his research on play in learning. He’s written and edited on information literacy, play, teaching, leadership, neurodiversity and fairy tales including books and journal articles; together with setting up and running the diamond open access Journal of Play in Adulthood.

He’s available to run workshops and training, in person and online delivery.

Enquiries and Booking

Whether you are looking for a single awareness session, management training or a wider neuroinclusion programme, we’d love to discuss your needs.

Building Neuroinclusive Libraries Together

NLISN exists to support neurodivergent library and information staff. Through training, community and advocacy, we help organisations create environments where neurodivergent colleagues, learners and users can thrive.