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ABOUT THIS COURSE
Learn sustainable practices to help employees with ADHD achieve their goals and maximize their potential.
Live Webinar:
June 11, 2026, 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET
Employees with ADHD have many unique strengths to leverage in the library. This 2-hour, online crash course is a companion to the Core Professional Skills series and centers neurodivergent experiences in the workplace, with a focus on ADHD and library work. Participants will learn the unique skills that neurodivergent employees bring and how to harness the power of divergent thinking. We will explore practical strategies for organization, time management, communication, and self-advocacy that can support success in fast-paced library environments while honoring your boundaries and capacity. The course also offers insights for neutrotypical supervisors and colleagues seeking to understand and support their neurodivergent colleagues.
You will leave this 2-hour crash course with concrete tools to reduce overwhelm, increase productivity, and build systems that support long-term workplace success.
The webinar is scheduled for June 11, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM ET. A recording will be uploaded to the course platform within 24 hours after the conclusion of the webinar.
PART OF A PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION SERIES
Polished & Prepared Part 4 is one course in the Polished & Prepared Certification Series. Enroll individually, or purchase the full bundle at a reduced rate. (Best value.)
View bundle details
ENROLL NOW
Need an invoice or PO? Orders of $600 or greater can choose invoice at checkout. For orders under $600, submit this form, and we will process your order manually.
Need approval? Email this course to your supervisor.
Return to Full Course Catalog
AFTER YOU ATTEND THIS COURSE, YOU'LL BE ABLE TO:
- Understand ADHD and how divergent thinking can be advantageous at work.
- Understand particular challenges that might arise from ADHD and ways to address them.
- Support yourself and/or neurodivergent colleagues.
- Communicate clearly and set realistic expectations.
- Design workflows and strategies that make ADHD work for you and your library.
Session 1 | 2:00–2:50 pm ET
Understanding ADHD and the Power of Divergent Thinking
How can divergent thinking become a workplace advantage? What unique strengths do people with ADHD bring to problem-solving, creativity, and innovation? This session will explore ADHD through the lens of divergent thinking and reframe difference as an asset. Learn how ADHD minds approach work, where they thrive, and what gets in the way. Leave with concrete tools for communicating with clarity, empathy, and realistic expectations.
Break | 2:50–3:00 pm ET
Session 2 | 3:00–4:00 pm ET
Supporting Neurodivergent Colleagues (and Yourself!): ADHD and Workplace Success
What does ADHD really look like at work, and how can you support yourself and your colleagues? How can neurodivergent employees advocate for their needs while honoring their boundaries and capacity? This session will build a practical understanding of ADHD and neurodivergence in the workplace. Learn how ADHD impacts work, what meaningful support can look like, and strategies for self-advocacy and sustainable success. Leave with practical, realistic strategies to harness focus, manage challenges, and design workflows that make ADHD work for you and your library with confidence, clarity, and measurable, sustainable impact.
COURSE SPEAKER
Kate Thompson, MLIS
Owner, Kate Thompson Consulting, LLC
 Kate Thompson is an advocate for neurodiversity and a seasoned speaker and coach who empowers workplaces to better support neurodivergent individuals by embracing their strengths and navigating challenges. As a member of the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force, she supported the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of community life. Through the Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute, she advocated for policy change at the state and local level. Kate has assisted libraries in launching Accessibility Teams and surveying users to create more inclusive services and environments.
Kate has taught courses and delivered presentations on neurodiversity to a wide range of audiences, including the Public Library Association and the University of Wisconsin Information School’s continuing education department. She was a contributor to the ALA Editions book Library Programming for Autistic Children and Teens and has written for the blogs of American Libraries and the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom.
Through her firsthand experiences as a parent and her professional work with autistic individuals, Kate has gained deep insight into the strengths and challenges faced by neurodivergent employees. Living with ADHD has further shaped her understanding of cognitive diversity and the importance of embracing different ways of thinking. In her consulting work, Kate helps organizations unlock the full potential of neurodivergent employees by designing inclusive recruitment, onboarding, and workplace practices that foster belonging.
WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE
This course is recommended for new library workers, regardless of library type.
THIS WILL BE A LIVE WEBINAR
This course will be delivered as a live webinar. You will have access to the recorded webinar and all course materials for six months after the conclusion of the webinar.
EXPECTED TIME COMMITMENT
This course includes 2 hours of live, online instruction. The session will be recorded and made available to you afterward. You will earn 2 hours of professional development credit and a Library Journal certificate of completion.
ON-DEMAND ACCESS
You will have access to all course materials for six months after the course start date.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION
Complete the course and earn 2 professional development credit hours. A certificate will be emailed to you upon completion.
ACCESSIBILITY
All video recordings feature auto captioning. Please email course-support@libraryjournal.com upon registration if you require any special accommodations. We will make our best efforts to facilitate them.
SUPPORT
For support with online courses, please contact course-support@libraryjournal.com .
DISCOUNTED RATES ARE AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Secure your tickets now to lock in the best price!
| Rate | Early Bird | Standard |
| Deadline |
May 11, 2026 |
June 11, 2026 |
| Ticket Price |
$99 |
$129 |
GROUP RATES
We offer discounts for groups of 3 or more.
For larger groups of 15 or more, we offer the option to apply group rates across multiple courses to receive significant discounts. For more information, select “Bulk Course Credits Packages” in the form below.
Request Discounted Group Pricing
For support with group purchases, please contact groupsales@libraryjournal.com .
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Register by April 16, 2026
3-Course Certification Series of 6 On-Demand Course Modules
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