Identifying Sensory-Friendly Spaces with StackMap Explore

Iowa State University Library is thinking outside the box on how to utilize their StackMap Explore Module. Explore enables users to browse your library's physical space and resources on a kiosk, tablet, or website. It is useful for locating sections of the collection by subject as well as for locating any place, space, or room within the library. We spoke to Greg Davis, Assistant Director of Assessment and Planning, about how the library integrated several sensory-friendly spaces in their Explore as a way to improve accessibility. This blog is a composite of our interview and informational materials that Davis provided.

In 2021, the library was contemplating ways to increase accessibility for students with disabilities. They collaborated with Student Accessibility Services on a survey that was sent out to 1,400 students with disabilities. About 80 percent of the responses were from students with invisible disabilities such as ADHD, anxiety, stress, and autism.  

The results of the survey found that students wanted spaces that were "quiet, low distraction, safe, and promote individual (not group) study." So, the library designated sensory-friendly spaces that fit those descriptors and identified them in StackMap's Explore Module. Within Iowa State's Explore, the sensory-friendly places are at the top of the list (see image below) with an asterisk, and they're color-coded on the different floors. They also have a website that features photos of the spaces and a link directing them to Explore.

Although the survey is what prompted the creation of sensory-friendly spaces, Iowa State also took inspiration from North Carolina State University Library, which has several sensory-friendly maps. Since the initiative is still new, they're hoping to get student feedback in the fall. Iowa State is also working on a poster about the sensory-friendly spaces and the StackMap Explore tool to present at The Library Assessment Conference in November 2022.

—   Greg Davis, Assistant Director of Assessment and Planning, Iowa State University Library