Physically challenged and their information needs
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Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Digital Commons, University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Abstract
This study is aimed at exploring the information needs of the physically challenged students in
Kwara State Library, Ilorin, Nigeria. A Survey research design was adopted. Three objectives
were set for the study and the interview was used to elicit information from respondents.
Findings showed that 76% were male while 24% were female. Findings also reveal that the
information needs of physically challenges students covered medical (94%), academic (82%),
security (78%), news/current awareness, training/conference, seminar respectively (76%),
transport/travel (53%), sport (55%), politics (18%), and (4%) among others. The study revealed
that (82%) used the library occasionally while (18%) regularly. The study showed that (65%)
found the information resources inadequate in meeting their needs. Problems confronting
information needs of the physically challenged include, furniture in the library are not good for
relaxing (100%), lack of infrastructural facility (82%), lack of information materials (76%),
lack of architectural design (73%), staff attitude is discouraging (67%), library environment is
not accommodating (61%), and others (41%). The paper concludes that library stakeholders,
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National Library of Nigeria, Librarians Registration Council of Nigeria, Nigeria Library
Association, Federal and State government should take into consideration the physically
challenged amongst us, thereby ensuring suitable reading environment. Recommendations
were put forward to enhance adequate and relevant information by the physically challenged.
Description
Keywords
Physically Challenges, Information Needs, Public Library Students, Kwara State Library Board, Ilorin