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Full-Text Articles in Library and Information Science
The Role Of Assistive Technology (At) In Enhancing The Educational Experience Of Students With Special Needs In Higher Education: A Case Of University Of Zimbabwe Library, Agnes C. Chikonzo, Masimba Muziringa, Jonathan Munyoro
The Role Of Assistive Technology (At) In Enhancing The Educational Experience Of Students With Special Needs In Higher Education: A Case Of University Of Zimbabwe Library, Agnes C. Chikonzo, Masimba Muziringa, Jonathan Munyoro
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)
The study examined how assistive technology (AT) is being used to enhance the educational experience of learners with special needs at the University of Zimbabwe. Using a case study design, primary data were collected mainly through questionnaires from a sample of 82 respondents comprising students with visual impairment and albinism registered with the University of Zimbabwe Disability Support Services Library, a branch of University of Zimbabwe Library. The study results demonstrated that AT provides freedom by enabling respondents to complete academic activities that they were previously unable to do, such as studying, reading, writing, researching, web browsing, emailing, communicating with …
“There Is Nothing Inherently Mysterious About Assistive Technology”: A Qualitative Study About Blind User Experiences In Us Academic Libraries, Adina Mulliken
“There Is Nothing Inherently Mysterious About Assistive Technology”: A Qualitative Study About Blind User Experiences In Us Academic Libraries, Adina Mulliken
Publications and Research
Eighteen academic library users who are blind were interviewed about their experiences with academic libraries and the libraries’ websites using an open-ended questionnaire and recorded telephone interviews. The study approaches these topics from a user-centered perspective, with the idea that blind users themselves can provide particularly reliable insights into the issues and potential solutions that are most critical to them. Most participants used reference librarians’ assistance, and most had positive experiences. High-level screen reader users requested help with specific needs. A larger number of participants reported contacting a librarian because of feeling overwhelmed by the library website. In some cases, …