Library Access And Use For Users With Special Needs At The University Of Education, Winneba
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Date
2021-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University Of Ghana
Abstract
Previous studies have reported that academic libraries in Ghana are often not well
equipped to meet the special needs of special-needs students despite the provisions of Ghana's Disability Act 2006. Hence, this study was conducted due to a lack of recent such studies at the University of Education, Winneba to find out whether users with
special needs have adequate access to and use the library at the university. The
significance of the study is that its findings would help the library to understand and
thereby implement measures to improve the quality of access and use of the library
for users with special needs in the university. Four research questions were posed. It was a descriptive survey where a cross-sectional survey was used for this study. The study sample totaled 50 respondents, comprising 25 front desk library staff of the university library and 25 students with special needs at the Department of Special Education. These respondents (i.e., library staff and library users with special needs) were chosen using a simple random sampling technique and a purposive sampling technique, respectively. A closed-end questionnaire featuring Likert-type response scales was used to collect data. The statistical techniques used to analyse data collected were frequencies and percentages. The results of the study revealed that, even though users with special needs access and use the library, some resources are not used as expected due to the unavailability of assistive technology devices. The results also revealed that library staff were not familiar with sign language, which was the main communication modes for students who are deaf. The recommendation, therefore, was that assistive devices should be procured and library staff be trained in sign language and other areas in disability issues so that they can support library users with special needs in the University.
Description
M.A. Information Studies
Keywords
University Of Education, Winneba, Special Needs, Library