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Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Exploring The Provision Of Information Services For Visually Impaired Students: Lessons Learned From The University Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Dotto Kabogolo,, Christian Mubofu Sep 2023

Exploring The Provision Of Information Services For Visually Impaired Students: Lessons Learned From The University Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Dotto Kabogolo,, Christian Mubofu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study employed a descriptive research method to investigate the provision of information services for visually impaired students (VIS) at the University of Dar es Salaam. The research conducted a comprehensive examination by employing a census sampling technique, targeting a population of 25 VIS. Qualitative methodologies were utilized to collect data, with thematic analysis serving as the means to categorize and describe the gathered information. The study's findings revealed that VIS have specific information needs, notably necessitating orientation programs for university management and the acquisition of effective computer application skills to manage their studies proficiently. Additionally, the study identified commonly …


Building Assistive Technology (At) Competency In Academic Librarians: Perceptions Of Library Personnel And Students With Visual Impairments From Three Zimbabwean Universities, Jonathan Munyoro, Takawira Machimbidza, Stephen Mutula Dec 2021

Building Assistive Technology (At) Competency In Academic Librarians: Perceptions Of Library Personnel And Students With Visual Impairments From Three Zimbabwean Universities, Jonathan Munyoro, Takawira Machimbidza, Stephen Mutula

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This qualitative study reflects on the perceptions of library professionals and students living with visual impairments from three Zimbabwean universities about the need for and ways of creating Assistive Technology (AT) competency in academic librarians. Some of the measures that may be used to increase the AT competencies of academic librarians are discussed. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from 19 participants comprising 13 library personnel and six students living with visual impairments. The study highlights important types of AT for individuals living with visual impairments, emphasises the importance of competencies in AT for academic librarians and suggest appropriate …


Emerging Services For The Visually Impaired In Academic Libraries, Noor Abutayeh, Berta García-Orosa Dec 2021

Emerging Services For The Visually Impaired In Academic Libraries, Noor Abutayeh, Berta García-Orosa

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This study sought to investigate access services that are presented to visually impaired users in academic libraries. There is a clear lack of digital resources and assistive technology in serving disabled/blind users in both libraries. Based on Mann-Whitney U-test results and p-value, there were similarities in website and databases accessibility and significant differences in providing some types of digital materials to visually impaired users. It is recommended that libraries have to continually adapt to the constantly turning cycles of technology in terms of major technology trends such as open-source software, mobile technology, and voice-activated technology. The world needs to …


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 Jan 2021

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 …


Provision Of Library And Information Service To The Visually Impaired In Ogun State, Nigeria, Glory Onoyeyan Apr 2019

Provision Of Library And Information Service To The Visually Impaired In Ogun State, Nigeria, Glory Onoyeyan

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The paper reviewed literature to determine the information and library needs of the visually impaired and the kind of materials they utilize to satisfy their information needs. The paper also reviewed literature to determine the provision of special services by libraries for the visually impaired and the adequacy of library and information services provided. The review found that reading interests of persons with visual disabilities in Nigeria are varied just like those of sighted individuals. They receive information in alternative formats such as Braille, talking book/audio recording and large print. However, library materials are usually not available in quantities desirable …


Use Of Assistive Technology In Blind Schools Of West Bengal: A Comparative Study, Sudipta Pradhan, Mahadev Samanta May 2018

Use Of Assistive Technology In Blind Schools Of West Bengal: A Comparative Study, Sudipta Pradhan, Mahadev Samanta

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The present study compares use of assistive technology for the visually challenged students provided by the special schools in the Medinipur division under the Districts of Bankura, Purulia, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram and Purba Medinipur and that of the special schools in the Burdwan division under the districts of Birbhum, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman and Hooghly for providing services to the visually challenged students of secondary and higher secondary level. The study reveals that the institutes meant for the visually challenged should increase access, availability and funding for assistive technology through efforts and initiatives. Only one institute in Medinipur division i.e. …


Library And Information Services To The Visually Impaired Persons, Junaid Rayini Jun 2017

Library And Information Services To The Visually Impaired Persons, Junaid Rayini

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Visually impaired people have the same information needs as sighted people. Just as sighted people might read a newspaper, listen to a CD or download electronic information from the Internet; visually impaired people also want access to relevant information in their chosen accessible format. Developing an efficient library service for print-disabled people is extremely important, because there are significantly fewer books available commercially in accessible formats compared to what is published in print for the general public. Libraries have a moral obligation to make information available to all categories of users regardless of their gender, age, race, political affiliation or …


Differently Able: A Review Of Academic Library Websites For People With Disabilities, Mary Cassner, Charlene Maxey-Harris, Toni Anaya Jan 2011

Differently Able: A Review Of Academic Library Websites For People With Disabilities, Mary Cassner, Charlene Maxey-Harris, Toni Anaya

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

This research is based on the Library Services for People with Disabilities Policy, which was approved by the American Library Association in 2001. The policy identified focus areas for libraries including library services, facilities, collections, and assistive technology. Library websites frequently convey this information to users. Our study examined and compared academic library websites for the differently able. What services do academic libraries offer to the differently able? Is there a basic level of services that libraries identify or should offer? Are websites for people with disabilities easily located from the library’s home page?