Assessment of Policies and Services Provision to The Physically Challenged Users of Academic Libraries in Zaria And Kaduna Metropolises

Assessment of Policies and Services Provision to The Physically Challenged Users of Academic Libraries in Zaria And Kaduna Metropolises

ABSTRACT

This study was on policies and services provision to the physically challenged users of academic libraries in Zaria and Kaduna metropolises. The study covered the following areas:

Disability policy Standard, Policy Guideline for the visually impaired, Example of academic libraries with disability policy, Common features in disabilities Policy around the world,

The Physically Challenged (Differently Able) and their information need, Effect of Library building and facilities on the physically challenged,

Adaptive Technology for the physically challenged, Library services for the physically challenged and Essential features in developing library services for the physically challenged.

The study consists of three research questions. The study adopted case study methodology to assess the opinion of five heads of academic libraries under study which constituted the research population.

However, the research question was subjected to descriptive analysis involving tables and percentages. The findings revealed that were no disability policy in most (80%) academic libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolises and there were no special resources for the physically challenged users as well.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE ……………………………………………………………………………………i
DECLARATION…………………………………………………………………………………ii
CERTIFICATION……………………………………………………………………………….iii
DEDICATION…………………………………………………………………………………..iv
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS………………………………………………………………………v
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………vi
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………….ix
ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………..x

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………. 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………………………………. 5
1.3 Research Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
1.4 Objectives of the Study……………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
1.5 Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………. 7
1.6 Scope of the Study ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms……………………………………………………………………………….. 8

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
2.2.1. Disability Policy Standard ……………………………………………………………………………………… 12
2.2.1 Policy Guidelines for the Visually Impaired …………………………………………………………….. 14
2.2.2 Example of academic libraries with disabilities policies…………………………………………….. 16
2.2.3 Common Features in Disability policy around the world……………………………………………. 18
2.3 The Physically Challenged (Differently Able) and their information needs………………….. 20
2.4 Effect of Library Building and Facilities on the Physically Challenged ……………………….. 24
2.4.1 Adaptive Technology (Ideal Facilities) for the Physically Challenged …………………………. 26
2.5 Library Services for the Physically Challenged…………………………………………………………. 29
2.5.1 Essential Features in Developing Library Services for the Physically Challenged…………. 30

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 38
3.2 Research Method Adopted for the Study………………………………………………………………….. 38
3.3 Population of the Study………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
3.4 Sampling Size and Sampling Procedure …………………………………………………………………… 39
3.5 Instruments for Data Collection………………………………………………………………………………. 39
3.5.1 Questionnaire ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
3.5.2 Observation………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 39
3.6 Validity of the Instrument………………………………………………………………………………………. 40
3.7 Procedure for Data Collection ………………………………………………………………………………… 40
3.8 Procedure for Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………… 40

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION ………………… 42
4.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 42
4.2 Response Rate………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 42
4.3 Categories of Physically Challenged Users of Academic Libraries in Zaria and Kaduna
Metropolis……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 42
4.4 Availability of Disability Policy and its Level of Implementation in each Academic
Library in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis. …………………………………………………………………. 43
4.5 Types of Special Resources/Devices Available for the Physically Challenged Users of
Academic Libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis…………………………………………………. 45
4.6 Types of Special Services Provided for the Physically Challenged Users of Academic
Libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis………………………………………………………………… 46
4.7 Types of Library Building ……………………………………………………………………………………… 47
4.8 Challenges faced in rendering services to the physically challenged users with the
Available Facilities of the Library in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis……………………………. 49
4.9 Factors Needed to Enhance Effective and Efficient Library Service for the Physically
Challenged Users of Academic Libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis………………….. 50

CHAPTER FIVE:SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS …………………. 52
5.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 52
5.2 Summary of the study………………………………………………………………………………………………… 52
5.2 Summary of the findings……………………………………………………………………………………………. 53
5.3 Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 53
5.4 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 54
5.4 Suggestions for further study………………………………………………………………………………………. 54
References …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 55

INTRODUCTION  

The importance of information to the success of any academic institution cannot be overemphasized. In an academic community, information is used for learning, teaching, research and leisure.

 Ajiboye and Tella (2007) pointed out that information is used primarily for academic purpose hence, valuable information to students determine to a very large extent their success and future development.

Academic libraries which are attached to tertiary institutions to support the Teaching, Learning and Research processes in such institution must be capable of supporting research actitivies among students and faculty members.

Library services is an embodiment of policy and facilities which will ensure a condusive environment. This signifies that for the library to be effective, it requires a well-documented and easily articulated guide called information policy.

The essence of a policy remains very pertinent because it is seen to constitute a working directive, embedded documents and yardstick for future improvement, modification and review. 

Therefore, policy is a set of rules written to govern the activities of an organization, to maintain standard and avoid inconsistencies.

REFERENCES

Adefarati, F.O (2002). Essentials of Library in Education: a handbook for students of Library
Studies and the user of the library institution of Higher learning in Nigeria. P6

Adimorah, E.N.O (2000). Access to Information for all: Development of Resources for the
Visual handicapped in Nigeria. Journal of Association of Libraries for the Visually
Handicapped. Vol.1 (1) pp 19.

Aguolu, I. (1996). Nigerian University libraries: What future? The International Information and
Library Review,28(3),261.

Aina, L.O (2004). Library and Information science Text for Africa; Ibadan third world
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America Library Association ALA (2001). Why an ALA Disability Policy? Why now
America. Available on line ://www.ala.org

Atinmo, M.I (1999).Integrated People with Special Needs into the Information World: Strategies
for Accomplishment. Presented at the 1 st Annual Public Lecture Organised the College
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