AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

  • Adaora Chigozie Obuezie Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
  • Babangida Umar Babayi Ibrahim Babangida Library, Modibbo Adama University, Yola
  • Chisom Myra Nwosu Department of Library and Information Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka
Keywords: Information Resources, Assistive Technology, Availability of Library Resources, Utilization of Library Resources, Public Library, Persons with Disability, Awka

Abstract

This research examined the availability of information resources and services for people with special needs in Prof. Kenneth Dike State Central e-library, Awka. Four research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. Population of the study comprised 81 registered users with special needs in Professor Kenneth Dike State Central e-Library, Awka. Instruments for data collection were observation checklist and questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean scores and simple percentage. The study found that available information resources and services for people with special needs were discs, microfilms, and large print books. The extent of use of public libraries by people with special needs was very high as they use the public library for reading, leisure, and recreation, to advance their education, and research, and to access information and online database. Challenges that hinder the availability of information resources and services for people with special needs were poor funding, inadequate reading materials, poor maintenance culture, high cost of library resources, and improper distribution of facilities and reading materials. It was recommended that improved funding, the use of skilled librarians, good maintenance culture on the available resources, and a subsidized cost of library resources would enhance the availability of information resources for persons with special needs in this library.  The study recommends that people with special needs should be provided with adequate library resources to support their educational and occupational pursuits.

Published
2022-09-15