This document is a research proposal submitted by Lameck Samwel to investigate the accessibility of library information resources for users with special needs at the University of Dar es Salaam library. The study aims to identify the information services needed, assistive technologies and media formats used, challenges faced, and possible solutions to improve access. If approved, the research will utilize questionnaires and interviews with undergraduate students with disabilities and librarians. The findings hope to provide recommendations to enhance access to scholarly materials for users with special needs. The scope is limited to visual, physical, and hearing impairments at the University of Dar es Salaam due to time and financial constraints.
An Investigation On Accessibility Of Library Information Resources To The Users With Special Needs
1. AN INVESTIGATION ON ACCESSIBILITY OF LIBRARY INFORMATION RESOURCES
TO THE USERS WITH SPECIAL NEED IN ACADEMIC LIBRARY: CASE STUDY
UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM LIBRARY
NAME: LAMECK SAMWEL
REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2014-04-07250
LS 309: RESEARCH PROJECT
SUPERVISOR: DR PAUL MUNEJA
RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED FOR PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF BACHELOR DEGREE OF ART IN LIBRARY
AND INFORMATION STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF DAR ES SALAAM
SUBMITTED: JULY (2017)
2. ii
Table of Contents
CERTIFICATION....................................................................................................................................v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT....................................................................................................................... vi
ABSTRACT........................................................................................................................................... vii
LIST OF ABBRIVIATION................................................................................................................... viii
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................................................. ix
LIST TABLES .........................................................................................................................................x
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS............................................................................................................. xi
CHAPTER ONE.....................................................................................................................................1
1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Background of the research problem..................................................................................................1
1.3 Statement of the problem....................................................................................................................2
1.4 General objective................................................................................................................................2
1.5 Specific objectives..............................................................................................................................3
1.6 Research questions .............................................................................................................................3
1.7 Significance of the study ....................................................................................................................3
1.8 Scope and limitations of the study......................................................................................................4
1.9 Definition of the key terms.................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
CHAPTER TWO....................................................................................................................................5
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE................................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction:.......................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Description of library users with special needs ..................................................................................5
2.3 Information needs by users with special needs...................................................................................6
2.4 Assistive technology and media formats used by people with special needs. ....................................7
2.5 Challenges facing people with special needs in accessing information..............................................8
2.6 Possible solution towards the problem in access library information sources..................................10
CHAPTER THREE .............................................................................................................................12
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY ...........................................................................................................12
3.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................12
3.1 Research design................................................................................................................................12
3.2 Area of study ....................................................................................................................................12
3. iii
3.3 Population of the study.....................................................................................................................12
3.4 Sample size.......................................................................................................................................12
3.5 Sampling technique ..........................................................................................................................13
3.6 Data sources and data collection tools..............................................................................................13
3.6.1 Primary data ..................................................................................................................................13
3.6.2 Secondary data ..............................................................................................................................13
3.7 Validity and reliability of data..........................................................................................................13
3.7 Data analysis and presentation .........................................................................................................14
3.8 Ethical consideration ........................................................................................................................14
CHAPTER FOUR ................................................................................................................................15
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS.................................................15
4.1 Demographic information of the respondents ..................................................................................15
4.1.1. Age of the Respondents................................................................................................................15
4.1.2. Gender of the Respondents...........................................................................................................15
4.1.3. Year of Study ...............................................................................................................................16
4.1.4. Course of the Respondents ...........................................................................................................17
4.1.5. Collage of the Respondents..........................................................................................................18
4.1.6. Disability of the Respondents.......................................................................................................18
4.1.7. Specific kind of disability.............................................................................................................19
4.2 Available information services to students with special needs.........................................................20
4.3 Available assistive technology equipments in library to assist users with special needs..................21
4.4 Media formats and assistive technology used to access information................................................22
4.5 Problems encountered in seeking information sources.....................................................................23
4.5 Recommendation to improve information provision services ..........................................................24
4.6 Librarians recommendation to improve information provision services ..........................................25
4.7 Summary ..........................................................................................................................................26
CHAPTER FIVE..................................................................................................................................27
SUMMARY, CONCLUTION AND RECOMMENDATION...............................................................27
5.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................27
5.1 Summary of the Findings .................................................................................................................27
5.1.2 To identify information services needed by users with special needs ...........................................28
5.1.3 Assistive technology and media formats used to enhance access to scholarly information ..........28
4. iv
5.1.4 Challenges facing people with special needs in accessing information.........................................28
5.1.5 Possible solutions to improve library service to users with special needs.....................................28
5.2 Conclusion and recommendations....................................................................................................29
REFERENCES.......................................................................................................................................30
Appendix 1.............................................................................................................................................33
Appendix 2.............................................................................................................................................36
5. v
CERTIFICATION
I, the under signed certifies that I have read and hereby recommend a research report titled: “An
investigation on accessibility of library information resources to users with special need in
academic library: Case study University of Dar es Salaam Library” be acceptance by University
of Dar es Salaam in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the bachelor degree of art in
library and information studies at University of Dar es salaam.
…………………………………………
Dr. Paul Muneja
(Supervisor)
Date ………………………
6. vi
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank almighty for giving life and protecting me against evils during the entire
period of my study and accomplishment of my research project. I wish to express my sincere
gratitude to my supervisor Dr. Paul Muneja for his tiresome efforts to ensure the success of
research report.
I would like to thanks the information studies programme team of academic staff for your close
assistance during my whole study. I am also indebted to thanks the entire Special Education
Needs Unity, and their student with different kinds of disability for giving me all the support I
needed toward accomplishment my project
Final I would like to thank my parents Mr and Mrs Lameck, Y.K, My sister Anna L.K for their
financial support that facilitate towards accomplish my work.
7. vii
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research was to determine library information services provided to students
with special needs at University of Dar es Salaam library for the aim of supporting learning
process at University. The research examines access to the information resources available in
University of Dar es Salaam library and Special Education Needs Unit (SENU) by students with
special needs including hearing, vision, and physical disability.
The study aimed at answering the following questions; what information services are needed by
users with special needs? What type of assistive technology and media formats that are used to
access library resources by users with special needs? What challenges are faced users with
special needs in accessing information? What possible solutions to remedy the challenges are
faced users with special needs in accessing scholarly materials?
Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used during the study. Sample size involved 30
undergraduate students with special needs and 10 librarian staffs of a population of 40
respondents. Non probability sampling technique was used to collect data from 40 respondents of
sample size conducted at University of Dar es Salaam.
The findings of the study shows that University of Dar es Salaam library failed to provide
information services to patrons with special needs especially those who are totally vision
disabled, and wheelchairs disabled patrons due to unavailability of assistive technology and
media formats that support their disability. Therefore, in order to support learning process at
University SENU is responsible to provide information services to different category of students
with disability.
In order to provide information services that meet information demands of the users with
disability University of Dar es Salaam library should improve the layout of the building by
equipping with working lift, to employ skilled librarians to serve students with disabilities, to
equip information resources with formats that support users with special needs, and equip
assistive technologies that assist users to access library information resources independently.
8. viii
LIST OF ABBRIVIATION
ASL : American Sign Language
ALA : American Library Association
DAISY : Digitally Accessible Information System
DVD : Digital Versatile Disc
SENU : Special Education Needs Unit
UDSM : University of Dar es Salaam
9. ix
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Available information services………………………………..21
Figure 2: Available assistive equipments……………………………….22
Figure 3: Media format used…………………………………………….23
Figure 4: Problems encountered…………………………………………25
Figure 5: Patrons recommendations…………………………………….26
Figure 6: Librarians recommendations………………………………….27
10. x
LIST TABLES
Table 1: Age of the respondents…………………………………….16
Table 2: Gender of the respondents…………………………………17
Table 3: Year of study………………………………………………17
Table 4: Courses…………………………………………………….18
Table 5: Collage…………………………………………………….19
Table 6: Disability of the respondents………………………………20
Table 7: Specific kind of disability…………………………………20
11. xi
DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS
• Accessibility: This implies that the provisions made in libraries, allow the visually
impaired access to services, media-formats and locations within them, in order to satisfy
their information needs (Irval & Nielsen, 2005).
• Adaptive device: refer to the devices designed to assist disabled people to meet their
information needs to operate like normal persons (Baquis, 2000).
• Deafness: the situation of hearing loss or inability to hear sound (Baquis, 2000).
• Disability: lack of ability to perform activity in a manner like normal person (Majinge &
stillwel, 2014).
• Information need: This is the quest for additional knowledge which impaired library
user has in a problem-solving or entertainment situation, and which propels him/her to
seek solution by approaching the library to utilize its resources and services (Kaijage,
1991).
• Library: is the place where by information source are kept in various format (Ekwelem,
2013).
• Library use: This includes the actual process within the library of searching for,
retrieving materials and extracting needed information from them by library patrons
including people with special needs (Kowogo, 2015).
• Media formats: These are special information content materials that can be used for or
by print–reading impaired users of the library. Such alternative media-formats include;
talking books, large print books, Braille books, computers with Braille keyboard and
voice output, information on audiotape, CD/DVD, or in DAISY (Digitally Accessible
Information systems) format, (Irval & Nielsen, 2005).
• User: This refers to a person who is visually impaired who possesses some level of
literacy to use the services and resources of a library sometimes known as library patron.
• Visually impaired persons: This refers to individuals who are either partially sighted,
with low vision or totally blind and who are not able to read or write normal ink-print
(Kaijage, 1991).
12. 1
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction
Information is some important resources for development and should be considered as a
prerequisite for sound decision in all area of activities, research and development, academic,
planning industrial development and investment (Atabor, 2015). The main goal of any library
whether academic, school or special library is for patrons to have easy access to its abundant of
information resources. This core function includes the provision of information to people with
disability because information is essential to all human being. (America Library Association,
2001) insist that libraries must not discriminate against individuals on the basis of disability and
should ensure that every learners and patrons has equal access to library resources.
1.2 Background of the research problem
Library is a non for profit organization that intend to provide information services to its patrons
without considering race, religion, language, and disability (Ekwelem, 2013). Library provides
information services to all patrons including people with special needs. Generally, people with
disability faces several problems as they seek assert their position in a modern, complex and
competitive world dominated by able peoples (Ochuggia, 2003). Disabled people can be
excluded from social activities and not treated equal by able bodied people. Even in library
context people with disability faces a lot of challenges when seeking the information resources to
meet their information demands. According to (Bhattacharya and Roy, 2013) as cited to
(Burgastahler, 1992) has categorized people with special needs as mobility impairment,
blindness, low vision, hearing or speech impairment and specific learning disabilities in every
aspect, there are three types of barriers for those people includes inputs, outputs, and
documentation. Due to mobility impairment, blindness, low vision, hearing or speech
impairment and specific learning disabilities makes them fail to perform various duties around
the society including effectively using library materials like normal persons to enhance learning
process.
According to (Kaijage, 1991) in his study “An assessment for library and information services
for visually impaired students in Tanzania” shows materials available in libraries are not
accessible for the users with visual impairments, all available books, journals, and periodicals
were in normal prints, and large print materials for partially sighted were not available. Also
13. 2
(Stilwell and Majinge, 2014) as cited to Ndumbaro (2009), Leong and Higgius (2010) noted that
the library building does not provide easy access for University students with visual and
wheelchairs to access library materials.
University as academic institution should ensure the availability of information resources to the
students with special needs in order to operate the academic learning process. According to
(Panella, 2009) explain the users with special needs as related to the needs of people who, for
whatever reasons cannot make use of convention libraries or library materials and services.
Academic libraries as the institution responsible for provision of information resources to
enhance learning process to all students and library users. University should be at the forefront to
remove barriers that hinder accessibility to information resources especial to the users with
special needs.
1.3 Statement of the problem
Although many academic libraries emphasis on establishment of various measures to ensure
equal provision of library services to all person without any discrimination to people with
disabilities (Irvall, and Nielsen, 2005). Still the services provided by libraries cannot meet full
level of satisfaction to the users with special needs including visual, hearing, and physical
disability persons as noted by (Kaijage, 1991) in his study “An assessment for library and
information services for visually impaired students in Tanzania” shows materials available in
libraries are not accessible for the users with visual impairments, all available books, journals,
and periodicals were in normal prints, and large print materials for partially sighted were not
available. Also (Stilwell and Majinge, 2014) as cited to Ndumbaro (2009), Leong and Higgius
(2010) noted that the library building does not provide easy access for University students with
visual and wheelchairs to access library materials. Therefore, this study seeks to assess access to
library information resources to the users with special needs in the selected area of study.
1.4 General objective
The general objective of this study is to assess access to library resources by students with
special needs.
14. 3
1.5 Specific objectives
1. To identify information services needed by users with special needs.
2. To identify assistive technology or media formats that are used to access library resources
by users with special needs.
3. Identify the challenges faced by users with special needs in accessing information.
4. To recommend possible solutions to remedy the challenges faced by users with special
needs in accessing scholarly materials.
1.6 Research questions
1. What are information services needed by users with special needs?
2. What types of assistive technology or media formats that are used to access library
resources by users with special needs?
3. What challenges are faced by users with special needs in accessing library materials?
4. What are possible solutions to remedy the challenges faced by users with special needs in
accessing scholarly materials?
1.7 Significance of the study
The finding of this study provides recommendations that may be used by the government, non
government and development actors to equip University libraries with all necessary resources
required by users with special needs.
The study provides recommendations to librarians and library administration to understand some
basic principles that will guide to improve library services toward enhancing access to library
resources by students with special needs.
Furthermore, this study serves as reference for future researches as it provides the research gap to
be addressed by other researchers.
In addition, this study is intended to help libraries to become aware of assistive technologies and
media formats that are used to assist individuals with special needs to access library resources.
Furthermore, the study is expected to provide empirical evidence on the state of library services,
media formats available and accessibility of information services to various users with special
needs.
15. 4
1.8 Scope and limitations of the study
The study was conducted at University of Dar es salaam. As it has a large academic library
known as Wilbert Chagula library as main library and other faculty library such as education
library, Law library and other Special Education Needs Unit (SENU). The library has also a
large number of users with special needs. This study will focus on accessibility of library
services provision for people with visual impairment, physical impairment (wheelchairs), and
hearing impairment with regard to the layout of library buildings and access to information
resources.
Some of the limitation faced by the researcher included shortage of funds to include a large
sample for study. The researcher had to ask financial assistance from various people like parents
and relative for preparing research tools. Lack of support from the respondent’s especial
librarians was also one of the limitations. Some librarians who were approached during the
survey indicate some degree of reluctance. Some of them were not willing to provide their names
although the confidentiality of information was assured. Another limitation includes inadequate
time to accomplish the work.
16. 5
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction:
This chapter reviews the existing literature focused on library and information services to patrons
with special needs in finding information sources to enhance learning process in Universities in
Tanzania. The reviews based on the objectives of the study to determine the accessibility of
library information sources. This chapter cover four sections; Description of library users with
special needs, information needs by users with special needs, assistive technology and media
formats used by people with special needs, challenges facing people with special needs in
accessing information and lastly possible solution towards the problem in access library
information sources.
2.2 Description of library users with special needs
University of Dare es salaam library provide information services to large number of users
including academic staffs, students, researchers and other users from external university.
Students with special needs are among of individuals which need information sources in order to
expand their knowledge to support learning activities.
Special needs patrons are people who, for whatever reasons cannot make use of convention
libraries or library materials and services (Panella, 2009). Due to their disabilities, they require
whether physical assistance or assistive technology in order to operate various duties and
activities like normal person. Mobility impairment person is the category of library user with
special needs that fail to move due to lack of proper coordination of the movement of the parts of
the body, such as limbs or hands such situation makes the person to face difficulties to obtain
information materials available in library shelves without the assistance of the librarian or
nearest student (Bhattacharya and Roy, 2013). In order to address the needs of the people with
mobility impairments in accessing library information resources according to (ALA, 2010)
provides tips to library administration and staffs as follows; to create some sits where the
librarian can be able to talk with patrons with physical disability at eye contact, to have tables
that are accessible to people with physical disability who use wheelchair, to introduce library
17. 6
elevation system that assist patrons with such disability to reach upstairs where information
resources are located.
On other hand, visually impaired are people who require the use of special means to perceive
what people normally and naturally see (Osinuga, 2003). Visually impaired persons are
considered as part of persons with disabilities. Information materials for the visually impaired
must be transcribed into alternative format before they are made available for use. A person with
visual impairments mostly depends on information sources available in large print, audio books,
talking books, and Braille materials (Majinge and Stillwell, 2014).
Hearing disability is a category of people with special needs which caused by failure to detect
sounds in environment. According to (Saar and Okor, 2013) explained that hearing loss is a
common problem caused by variety of that affect ears ability to detect sounds in the environment
and the brain ability to interpret the sounds. One of the methods of determines hearing loss is
through audio metric testing, which measure the one’s ability to detect sounds at certain sound
level. Through this diagnostic normal hearing levels allow for losses of up to 25 sound levels and
hard hearing is the state of being unable to detect sound below 40 sound levels, a person is
considered as deaf when unable to hear below 90 sound levels.
2.3 Information needs by users with special needs
Information is considered as an important factor in all human development (Hatibu, 2004).
Information is important to students with special needs in whole process of learning. Information
needs is the situation where by there is need to solve certain information problem, similar term
was defined by (kaijage, 1991) as “information required to user which must be in a form that
warrants maximum access and use”. Hatibu, (2004) shows that information needs depends on
work activity, area of interest, hierarchical position of individuals, motivation factors for
information needs, needs to take decision, need to seek ideas, and need to make professional
contribution. Students with special needs need information require information on all spheres of
life ranging from; daily living skills, leisure, jobs, education, marriage life, sources of help and
how to obtain them, information on their rights to moral issues. But it must be provided in
appropriate language and formats which maximize its access and use (kaijage, 1991).
18. 7
Users with special needs require information to meet their information needs in a format that is
accessible and easy to use. For example people with visual impairment needs information in
Braille format for totally blind, large print for partial vision, information sources in audio format
this evidence is supported by (Majinge and Stillwell, 2014) that visual people with visual
impairments need information resources which are in Braille and large print. They suggest that
the library must provide an appropriate selection of books in formats that are usable by people
with visual impairments large print, audio books, talking books, and Braille materials. Users with
hearing impairment require information in printed form, sign language, web information, and
information in practical. This is evidence is supported by (Saar and Okor, 2013) insist that
people with hearing disability should receive information materials as normal patrons through
communicating by using video relay service that is a device that allow individuals to
communicate in sign language through video link. Librarian can use this device to provide
services to patrons with hearing disability or using American Sign Language to communicate
with in individual with hearing problem to provide sources of information available in printed
formats and electronic format through computer.
2.4 Assistive technology and media formats used by people with special needs.
People with special needs require information in a format that supports his or her disability.
According to (Irvall and Nielsen, 2005) shows various information media format require by users
with special disability in order to access information.
• Library patrons with visual disability require information in large print, information
in audio format tape, DVD or CD format and information in Braille format.
• Patrons with hearing disability need information in sign language video, information
via text telephone, and electronic information via email or library website.
• Patrons with physical disability need information in audio or video format, printed
format, and electronic information from various information databases.
The development of information and communication technology has created a lot of changes in
library in the whole process of providing information services to library patrons for example
Beck (1995) argue that technological such as caption video, TTDS, and assistive listening system
19. 8
assist user with hearing problem to obtain information and to communicate effectively. Again
Bagandanshwa (2006) argue that people with visual impaired need a combination of specially
design information technologies and specialized services to access and make use of information.
For example,
• Traditional print to CD-ROMs,
• printed journal in large format,
• Online information materials in audio in formats,
• And other format like Braille format and talking books.
Tondaro (2006), recommend that the use of computerized voice catalogue would equalize visual
impaired in finding available library information in audio format or other format that support his
or disability.
Assistive or adaptive technology for the purpose of this study is defined as a broad range of
electronic devices both hardware and software that enable persons who cannot access computers
because of a physical impairment, such as blindness or limited dexterity, to do so. A few
examples include software such as the screen reader JAWS, which reads displayed text aloud to
the user, and Zoom Text. Examples of hardware devices include items such as 20‐inch monitors
or peripherals such as trackballs. It should be noted that while some of the libraries have
computers, they are for administrative purposes and are not for public use (Tondaro 2006). This
is an indication that, people with special needs are forgotten by the plans as a result much
emphasis is made on purchasing equipments that support other activities.
2.5 Challenges facing people with special needs in accessing information
People with special needs face a lot of obstacles in seeking for information to support learning
through accessing information resources available in library both electronic information sources
and physical information sources. According to Ochuggia (2003), people with visual impairment
are facing a number of challenges in accessing and using library information services due to
inadequate Braille information materials and audio books. Also Majinge and Stillwell, (2014) in
their study at university of Dar es salaam and Open university indicate that users with visual
20. 9
impairment and wheelchair are facing a lot of obstacle in accessing library information resources
such problems are lack of Braille formats to support visual impaired and poor building structure
that makes people with wheelchair fail to reach up-stairs of the library building where
information sources are located due to lack of elevator system to assist wheelchair to reach up
stairs.
Kawogo, (2015) also noted some challenges that faced people with disability when seeking for
information to meet information demands, revealing lack assistive technology, inadequate skilled
staff to serve people with special needs, lack of appropriate facilities to support access to
information sources, and shortage of fund for library to improve library services to be useful to
all patrons including users with special needs.
According to Todoro, (2005) people with special needs faced by ignorance barriers, a major
prejudice and most harmful social discrimination. Again Kawogo, (2015) as cited to
(Williamson et al, 2000) support the finding by explain that there are four barriers to people with
special needs facing when using information and communication technology where by
experience technological problem related to poor connectivity when accessing electronic
information, social barriers that the society view disability in negative side, and cost of
purchasing assistive device is also a challenges because most of people with disability have
limited economic resources.
Kawogo, (2015) as cited to wirz and Meikles, (2005) discussed challenges that hinder patrons
with special needs in accessing library information. The study shows inadequate of good library
infrastructures such as elevator system, wheelchair, walking aids that causes people with
physical disability to fail to reach in library hence lack an opportunity to access physical
information materials available in library shelves. Inadequate trained librarian to serve people
with special needs, and lack of enough fund for library administration to buy information
resources to enhance easy accessibility of library sources to users with special needs.
21. 10
2.6 Possible solution towards the problem in access library information sources.
Various literatures discussed about possible solution in order to provide information resources
equal to all library users without discrimination. (Kaijage, 1991) address the following
recommendation in order to improve library services to the user with visually impairment;
• Through establishment of reading aids through using new technological devices such
as reading machine, digital audio tape (DAT).
• Magnifying reading aids example optician converters and CD-ROM disc.
• Distribution of books in large print in order to allow users with low vision to access
information materials available in large print.
• To publish books in Braille format in order to allow library users who are totally
blind to access information material available in Braille format.
• To buy talking book sometimes known as cassette books which available in audio
format that give ability for users with visual impairment to access information in
audio format.
(Majinge and stilwell, 2014) recommend that in order to provide inclusive library services to all
users including people with disabilities especially wheelchairs patrons practical measures are
needed such as constructing building with ramps and maintain working lift as well as providing
assistive equipments to accessibility to library information resources.
There are many types of listening aids that to meet the different needs of people with hearing
difficulties, some of whom utilize different hearing instruments, such as cochlear implants. For
example, a non-hearing aid user could be provided with a headset, while someone with a hearing
aid equipped with a telecoil needs a neck loop, which connects to a receiver and generates a
magnetic field in the same way as the larger counter loop described earlier. Less than one-third
of hearing aids are equipped with telecoils, but those that can be switched to the "t" position to
pick up sound inductively from the neck loop. Placing a headphone over a hearing aid is likely to
produce acoustic feedback (Baquis, 2000).
By recognizing the contribution of assistive technology to enhance people with hearing impaired
to access information and communication like normal people. Library administration by
collaborating with government and other private sector to purchase assistive devices to people
22. 11
with special needs in order to be independent in learning process. Also to establish home
delivery service to patrons with disability, to provide reading assistance to people with reading
difficulties, to introduce regularly scheduled consultation with patrons with disability in order to
determine their needs, and to provide technical support for computer program such as screen
reading program, voice synthesis, and text enlargement software (Irvall and Nielsen, 2005).
23. 12
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.0 Introduction
The major focus of this chapter is to present the research techniques that were used to conduct
research activity which involves; data collection methods, sampling techniques, population
study, data processing, presentation and analysis of data which will be adopted in the field.
3.1 Research design
Research design is a framework or blue print for conducting research project. It shows in details
the important procedures necessary for obtaining information needed to structure or solve
research problem (Kothari, 2004). The descriptive survey method was used during the study
because it critically examines events, opinions, attitudes, or ideas with the aim of providing
accurate information about accessibility of library information resources by the users with
special needs. Data was collected according to the information provided by respondents by
through questionnaires methods of data collection.
3.2 Area of study
The research was conducted at university of Dar es salaam library, department of special
program and faculty libraries
3.3 Population of the study
Population refers to the full set of cases which sample is taken (Saunders, 2007). Population of
the study covered 30 undergraduates University students with special needs and 10 librarian
staffs who are responsible to ensure library patrons are satisfied with information services. It was
anticipated that, the selected population would enhance the success of the study due to the fact
that they have rich information about the subject of this study. Therefore the total population of
study was 40 respondents.
3.4 Sample size
This study involved 30 Undergraduates University students and 10 librarian staffs making a total
sample of 40 respondents.
24. 13
3.5 Sampling technique
This study used deliberate sampling technique also known as purposive non-probability
sampling. This method involves selection of particular units of universe for contracting a sample
purposively (Kothari, 2004). A total of 40 respondents will be selected to participate in the whole
process of data collection to ensure the study is success. 10 respondents were librarians who are
responsible in information provision to library patrons and 30 undergraduate students with
special needs.
3.6 Data sources and data collection tools
Both primary and secondary data was used in this research. The researcher used both primary
and secondary data.
3.6.1 Primary data
Primary data was collected by means of structured and unstructured questions. Structured
questionnaires are based predominantly on closed questions which produce data that can be
analyzed quantitatively for patterns and trends. Unstructured questionnaires are based on open
questions allowing respondents the freedom to answer in their own words and therefore to
provide greater qualification in their response. The instruments to be used in collecting data for
this study consisted of two self-constructed sets of questionnaires designated as questionnaires A
and B. Questionnaire A, targeted persons with special needs around University of Dare es salaam
campus in the whole process of accessing library information resources. Questionnaire B was
designed for librarians serving people with special needs in seeking for library information
resources.
3.6.2 Secondary data
Secondary data was obtained from various sources including books, journal, internet and other
relevant documents from the interviewed firms.
3.7 Validity and reliability of data
Pre-test was conducted for validity and reliability of data. To be reliable, questionnaires must be
answered by respondents the same way each time. According to (Barribeau, et al 2012) as cited
to (Weisberg et al (1989), researchers can assess reliability by comparing the answers
respondents give in one pretest with answers in another pretest.
25. 14
Questionnaires validity is determined by how well it measures the concept(s) it is intended to
measure. Among 40 respondents derived from the sample size, 5users with special needs and 5
librarians ‘staff’s respondents was involved in pre – testing of the validity and reliability of the
questionnaire used in this study.
3.7 Data analysis and presentation
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was employed to analyses both qualitative and
quantitative data. SPSS has been creditable because it can take data from almost any type of file
and use them to generate tabulated reports, charts, plots of distribution and trends, descriptive
statistic and conduct complex statistical analyses. The result of research data will be presented by
using charts, tables and graphs.
3.8 Ethical consideration
Ethical consideration is important during the study; the researcher was assured that ethics are
maintained in this study. The respondents were assured that information would treated with high
degree of confidentiality.
26. 15
CHAPTER FOUR
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS
This chapter present finding from field and making critical discussion of data collected through
questionnaire which distributed to students with special needs and librarian staffs responsible to
provide information services to different types of library users including people with special
needs in accessing library information. The results are organized according to research questions.
4.1 Demographic information of the respondents
This section describe demographic information of the respondent including age, gender, marital
status, year of study, course, collage, types of disability, and specific kind of disability.
4.1.1. Age of the Respondents
The respondents were asked to specific age the results are represented in table 1 below.
Table 1. Age range of respondents
Source: Field Data, 2017
Table 1 above shows that 26 (86.7%) of the respondents were aged between 21 to 25, whereby 4
(13.3%) were aged between 26-30. Therefore the study involves 30 respondents where by young
respondents were high compared to adult.
4.1.2. Gender of the Respondents
Respondent were asked to specify their gender. The below table 2 summarize the gender of the
respondents.
Age range Frequency Percent
21-25 26 86.7
26-30 4 13.3
Total 30 100
27. 16
Table 2. Gender of the respondents
Gender Frequency Percent
Male 17 56.7
Female 13 43.3
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017
Table 2 above indicate 17 (56.7%) of the respondent were male and 13 (43.3%) were female.
According to table 2 above, the number of male students with special needs was higher than
female.
4.1.3. Year of Study
The respondents were asked to specify their year of study during the process of data collection.
Table 3 below summarizes year of the study of respondents.
Table 3. Year of study
Year of study Frequency Percent
1 5 16.7
2 14 46.7
3 11 36.7
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017.
The tables 3 above show year of study of the respondents where by first year were 5 (16.7%),
second year were 14 (46.7%), and third year students were 11 (36.7%). According to table 3
above second year students were higher 14 than first year 5 and third year 11.
28. 17
4.1.4. Course of the Respondents
During the process of collecting data the questionnaire were required the respondents to specify
their courses taken at University of Dar es salaam. The table 4 below shows various courses
taken by respondents in level of bachelor degree. Where by students taken Bachelor of art with
education were 8 (26.7%), Bachelor of art in statistic were 2 (6.7%), Bachelor of art in
geography and environment studies were 2 (6.7%), Bachelor in Commerce were 2 (6.7%),
Bachelor of Education in Early Child Education were 3 (10%), Bachelor of Education in
Psychology was 1 (3.3%), Bachelor of art in Archeology was 1 (3.3%), Bachelor of art in
Sociology was 1 (3.3%), Bachelor of Education in Commerce was 1 (3.3%) Bachelor of art in
Kiswahili was 1 (3.3%), Bachelor of Science with Education were 3 (10%), Bachelor of
Education in Adult and Community Education 4 (13.3%), and Bachelor of in Political Science
and Public Administration 1 (3.3%).
The table 4. Courses of the respondents
Courses Frequency Percent
BAED 8 26.7
BAST 2 6.7
BAGE 2 6.7
BCOM 2 6.7
BEDECE 3 10
BED IN PYCHOLOGY 1 3.3
BEDACE 4 13.3
BA IN ARCHOLOGY 1 3.3
BA IN SOCIOLOGY 1 3.3
BED COMM 1 3.3
BAK 1 3.3
BSC WITH ED 3 10
PSPA 1 3.3
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017
29. 18
4.1.5. Collage of the Respondents
The respondents were asked to specify their collage belongs at University of Dar es salaam. The
results are shown in table 5 below.
Table 5. Collage of the respondents
Collages Frequency Percent
COSS 22 73.3
IKS 1 3.3
COHU 2 6.7
UDBS 2 6.7
CONAS 3 10.0
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017
Table 5 above shows 22 (73.3%) respondents were belongs to Collage of Social Science, 1
(3.3%) was belongs to Institute of Kiswahili Studies, 2 (6.7%) respondents were belongs to
Collage of Humanities, 2 (6.7%) were belongs to University of Dar es Salaam School of
Business and 3 (10%) were belongs to Collage of Natural and Applied Science. According to
table 5 above higher number of respondents belongs to Collage of social science (Coss)
4.1.6. Disability of the Respondents
During the process of collecting data by using questionnaire, the respondents were asked to
specify their disability in order to determine their information needs in variety of formats. The
table 6 below shows the summary of disability of respondents.
Table 6. Disability of the respondents
Disability Frequency Percent
Hearing 7 23.3
Vision 9 30.0
Physical 12 40.0
30. 19
Other 2 6.7
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017
The table 6 above shows respondents with hearing disability were 7 (23.3%), respondents with
vision disability were 9 (30%), respondents with physical disability were 12 (40%), and
disability were 2 (6.7%). Therefore 30 respondents with different kinds of disability were
involved in the study to determine how they access library information sources.
4.1.7. Specific kind of disability
Respondents were asked to specify their kind of disability. The table 7 below shows the
summary of specific kind of disability, where by Partial disability were 20 (66.7%), totally were
8 (26.7%) and normal were 2 (6.7%).
Table 7. State of disability
State of disability Frequency Percent
Partial 20 66.7
Totally 8 26.7
Normal 2 6.7
Total 30 100
Source: Field Data, 2017
The tables above shows specific kind of disability where by 20 respondents were partial
disabled, 8 were totally disabled and 2 were albinism. Therefore partially disabled students were
highly involved during the study.
31. 20
4.2 Available information services to students with special needs
Librarian staffs were asked through questionnaire to indicate available information services to
the users with special needs in access scholarly information. The results are shown in figure 1
below.
Figure 1. Available information services
Source: Field Data, 2017
The results in above figure 1 shows that users with special needs are highly provided materials
delivery service in 21% since they fail to attend physical in library due to fact that library
building structure do not allow people with wheelchair to enter in library, available infrastructure
are not friendly to them, thus why Special Education Needs Unity established to provide
assistance in obtain information materials to enhance learning process in University.
Those finding affirm that library should provide information services to users with
special needs based on their special needs. Furthermore, library should improve library
services in order to ensure optimal utilization of information to the users with special
needs.
Schedule of
consultaPon
0%
Recording
services
0%
Interlibrary loan
7%
Volunteer to
record audio
informaPon
3%
Reading aid
services
10%
Braile services
10%
Computer lab
services
14%
FamiliarizaPon to
informaPon
sources
21%
symbol
interpretor
service
0%
Assist in obtain
books from
shelves
14%
Material
delivery
services
21%
32. 21
4.3 Available assistive technology equipments in library to assist users with special needs
Librarians were asked to indicate whether assistive technology equipments are available in
library to assist users with special need for easily access scholarly information. The results are
shown in figure 2 below.
Figure 2. Available assistive technology equipments
Source: Field Data, 2017
Figure 2 above shows assistive technology equipment which assist users with special needs to
access information for academic purpose where by alternative input device 19% used by people
with vision disability to operate computer in examination and typing various assignments.
Walking aids and wheelchair 19% used by physical disability for movement in lecture rooms,
talking books 14% used by totally visual disabled to access information as well as JAWS
computer application used by visual disabled to receive instruction through voice.
Wheelchair and
walking aids
19%
Zoom lens
monitor
15%
JAWS
14%
Talking books
14%
Voice synthesis
19%
AlternaPve input
devices
19%
Frequency
33. 22
The finding of the study shows assistive devices and equipments are available in Special
Education Needs Unity. Current University of Dar es Salaam does not have assistive
devices to assist users with special needs, in order to improve services library should
purchase assistive devices and equipments in order to facilitate easy access to library
information resources to users with special needs.
4.4 Media formats and assistive technology used to access information
The respondent’s students with special needs were asked to indicate media format or assist
technology used to access information for academic purpose. The results are shown in figure 3
below
Figure 3. Media formats and assistive technology
Source: Field Data, 2017
Figure 3 above shows media formats and assistive technology used by users with special needs
to access information where by 25% of respondent especial physical, hearing, and partial vision
impaired students are using books to get information for academic purposes and other
information needs. 26% of respondents depend on electronic information available in different
website subscribed by University library and other information databases. Totally vision
impaired students 10% depend on Braille format and 11% depend on audio information.
25%
4%
26%
9%
10%
11%
3% 12%
Books Large print materials
E‐resources Lecture notes
Braille format Audio materials
AssisPve computer devices References materials
34. 23
The study reveal that student with special needs highly depend on electronic resources,
lecture notes and books to access information for academic purpose.
4.5 Problems encountered in seeking information sources
Respondents were asked to show factors that hinder in access for scholarly information in the
library the following are summary of factors that encountered users with special needs in seeking
for information in the figure 4 below.
Figure 4. Problems encountered Users with special needs
Source: Field Data, 2017
Figure 4 above shows users with special needs fail to access information due to unavailability of
respective media format as shown 18 (60%) of respondents are faced the same problem. Other
challenges encountered includes unfriendly of librarians to users with special needs as reported
by 7 (23.3%) respondents, borrowing privilege are not guarantee as reported by 16 (53.3%)
respondents, assistive technology are not available as reported by 16 (53.3%) respondents,
difficult to reach library due to poor building structure as report by 15 (50%) of respondents and
limited opening hours as reported by 7 (23.3%) of the respondents.
7
16
18
16 15
12
6 7
23.3
53.3
60
53.3
50
40
20
23.3
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
Unfriend of
librarian
Borrowing
privilege not
guaranteed
Uavailability of
media format
AssisPve
technology are
not available
Difficult to
reach library
absence of
recording
studio
Amont of Pme
waiPng for
services
Limited
opening hours
Frequency Percentages
35. 24
Some challenges that faced people with disability when seeking for information to meet
information demands, revealing lack assistive technology, inadequate skilled staff to
serve people with special needs, lack of appropriate facilities to support access to
information sources, and shortage of fund for library to improve library services to be
useful to all patrons including users with special needs.
4.5 Recommendation to improve information provision services
Among of the specific objectives of the study is provide recommendation in order to improve
information services to the users with special needs for easily access of library information
resources. The figure 5 below summarizes the various recommendations from the respondents
with special needs.
Figure 5. Recommendation to improve information services
Source: Field Data, 2017
The figure 5 above shows recommendation from respondents where by 26.7% recommend
library to purchase information resources in respective format, 13% recommend to introduce
reading aids services to assist users with vision disability to access information. 6.7% of the
respondents recommend building user friendly infrastructure, 16.7% of the respondents
recommend maintaining working lift to allow easy entrance to library for users with physical
9
5
5
4
2
6
7
4
2
5
2
1
6
4
8
30
16.7
16.7
13.3
6.7
20
23.3
13.3
6.7
16.7
6.7
3.3
20
13.3
26.7
Improving library informaPon services
Improving building structure
Home delivery informaPon services
Provide informaPon in large print and braille
Improve library shelves
Maintain users friendly infrastructures
Establish mulPmedia room
Purchesing reading resources in respecPve
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Percentages Frequency
36. 25
disability and visual disabled students. Other recommendation includes improving internet
services, equip assistive devices and facilities, to train users to use computers to access
information in the library, and high number of respondents recommend to improve library
information services to the users with special needs as reported by 30% of the respondents.
4.6 Librarians recommendation to improve information provision services
Librarians were asked to provide recommendation in order to improve library information
services to the users with special needs. The figure 6 summarizes recommendations from
librarian from various sections in University main library and Special Education Needs Unit.
Figure 6. Librarian’s recommendation to improve information provision services
Source: Field Data, 2017
Figure 6 above shows librarian recommendations where by 27% of respondents recommend to
increase assistive devices, 19% recommend to improve computer services, 8% recommend to
improve normal shelves, 19% recommend to develop Braille collection, 15% recommend to
purchase audio/video information sources, and 12% recommend to improve library structure by
establishing working lift and users friendly infrastructure.
12%
8%
15%
19%
19%
27%
Frequency
improving library structure improving library nornal shelves
buying audio/video materials developing braille collecPon
improve computer services increase assisPve devices
37. 26
Library administration by collaborating with government and other private sector to purchase
assistive devices to people with special needs in order to be independent in learning process.
Also to establish home delivery service to patrons with disability, to provide reading assistance
to people with reading difficulties, to introduce regularly scheduled consultation with patrons
with disability in order to determine their needs, and to provide technical support for computer
program such as screen reading program, voice synthesis, and text enlargement software.
4.7 Summary
This chapter dealt with presentation, discussion and analysis of the project findings investigate
by using questionnaire tool at university of Dar es salaam where by librarian and students with
special needs were main respondents of the study. The analysis based on demographic
information of respondents especial students with special needs, available information services to
users with special needs, available assistive technology equipment in library, media format used
by users with special needs, challenges encountered when seeking for information in library, and
possible solution by proving recommendation to improve library information services to the
users with special needs.
38. 27
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUTION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.0 Introduction
This chapter aimed to summarizing the research finding and presents the recommendation that
would be used by various libraries in higher learning institutions and information centers to
improve library services to wards effectively accessibility to library and information resources to
all library users including people with special needs as well as to meet their information demand.
This chapter is organized into four sections which include introduction, summary, conclusion
and recommendations.
5.1 Summary of the Findings
This section is organized according to the objectives and research questions of the study. The
main objective of this research was to determine the accessibility of library information
resources to the users with special needs in learning process. The main objective was guided by
following specific objectives;
To identify sources of information used by users with special needs
To identify assistive technology or media formats that used to enhance
accessibility to library materials by people with special needs
Identify the challenges facing people with special needs in accessing information
To find out the possible solution towards the problem.
A total of 40 respondents were included during the study whereby 30 disabled students and
librarians were consulted during the study. From the analysis made in chapter four it indicate that
users with special needs especial visual impaired students both partial and totally, hearing
impaired, and physical impaired, are not satisfied with services available in main libraries and
other departmental libraries and depend on to the assistance form special unit which introduce to
provide special assistance to various students with special needs in university of Dar es salaam in
order to enhance reading process in University.
39. 28
5.1.2 To identify information services needed by users with special needs
Students with special needs require information materials like normal persons in order to
enhance learning process in the University. Students with special needs require assistance from
librarian’s teachers and classmate in order to obtain information to answers University
examination, to write assignment and to expand individual knowledge through reading various
sources of information. To consult people with special needs to identify their information needs,
provide information in large prints and Braille format, offer internet services, home delivery
services, reading services from classmate, provide reference materials and books, and other
information accessed by normal patrons.
5.1.3 Assistive technology and media formats used to enhance access to scholarly
information
According to analysis made in previous chapter shows most of assistive technology like JAWS,
text enlargement software voice synthesizers and other media format like Braille and audio
materials are kept in Special Education Needs unit to assist students with special needs to
support learning process in University. Main library only provide information materials in format
that can be accessed normal students in University.
5.1.4 Challenges facing people with special needs in accessing information
Students with special needs faced a lot of challenges when seeking for information especial in
main library due to a lot of obstacles which hinder effective access to library information
sources. Among of challenges are unavailability of Braille format in main library (Wilbert
Chagula Library), difficult to reach physical in library due to poor library infrastructures,
borrowing privilege are not guarantee, assistive equipment are not available in main library.
Inadequate librarians to serve people with special needs especial hearing disabled students, and
lack of enough assistive devices in Special Education Needs unit to assist large number of people
with special needs.
5.1.5 Possible solutions to improve library service to users with special needs
Different opinion were provided by respondents both librarians and users with special need in
order to improve information services to people with special need in University of Dar es salaam
40. 29
library (Wilbert Chagula Library) and Special Education Needs unity (SENU). The possible
solutions suggested is as follows; library administration should improve build structure by
maintain working lift, to train librarian to serve people with special needs, to equip assistive
technology to make users with special needs independent to in search and access scholarly
information, purchase enough information resources in respective format to users with special
needs like Braille formats, audio/video materials, to build multimedia room with full of assistive
devices, and introducing recording studio to record printed books into audio formats.
5.2 Conclusion and recommendations
Current university of Dar es salaam library (Wilbert Chagula Library), provide information to
wide number of users including academic staffs, researchers, students and outside users. The
analysis shows library fail to provide inclusive services to users with special needs due to
number of challenges reveled from the respondents. The project ends up with number of
recommendation in order to provide inclusive information services to users with special needs.
Introducing assistive technology in library, library administration should purchase assistive
equipments and facilities such as screen reader, alternative input devices, audio books, book
turner and other equipments. To provide train for librarian in proving information services to
users with special needs, to digitize printed books into audio format and large print in order to
allow people with visual disability to access information. Library administration should allocate
budget to improve library infrastructure, purchasing information resources which can be
accessed by users with special needs and developing Braille collection ,audio collection Braille
catalogue in order to allow people with visual disability to search and access information,
41. 30
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44. 33
Appendix 1
USERS WITH SPECIAL NEED QUESTIONNAIRE.
Dear Respondents,
Am Lameck Samwel, with registration number 2014-04-07250 pursuing bachelor of Library and
Information Studies, Collage of Social Science (COSS) in Department of Library and
Information Studies Program at University of Dar es salaam. This questionnaire is aimed at
gathering data to examine the accessibility of information resources to users with special needs
to meet information demands. Kindly respond to the questions as sincerely as possible. You are
assured that the information provided by you will be treated confidentially.
Thanks for your cooperation.
PART A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION.
1. Course ………………………….
2. Collage………………………..
3. Year of study …………
4. Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ]
5. Age: 16-20 [ ] 21-25 [ ] 26-30 [ ] 31 and above [ ]
6. Marital status: Single [ ] Married [ ]
7. Type of disability: hearing [ ] vision [ ] Physical [ ] speech [ ] other [ ]
8. Specify kind of disability: Partial disability [ ] totally disability [ ]
45. 34
PART B: ACCESS TO INFORMATION RESOURCES SERVICES
9. Are you aware that University library offer information services to people with special
need?
YES [ ]NO [ ]
10. Does your library provide assistance in accessing scholarly information you need?
YES [ ]NO [ ]
11. Have you ever been provided any services or media format to assist you to easily access
information? YES [ ] NO [ ]
12. If yes, specify the kind of assistive technology or media format
i……………………………………………………………………………………………
ii……………………………………………………………………………………………
iii……………………………………………………………………………………………
iv…………………………………………………………………………………………
13. If no, what do you think are alternative measure of accessing information to people with
special needs.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
14. Indicate the problems that encountered in using the library
a. Unfriendliness of the library staff [ ]
b. Amount of time spent waiting for needed service [ ]
c. Borrowing privileges not guaranteed [ ]
46. 35
d. Unavailability of needed media-formats [ ]
e. Currency of the media-formats [ ]
f. Content of the media-formats [ ]
g. Inaccessibility of the media-formats [ ]
h. Atmosphere in the library not conducive [ ]
i. Equipment for media-format use not available [ ]
j. Equipment for media-format use dysfunctional [ ]
k. Inaccessibility of locations within the library [ ]
l. Lack of recording studio service [ ]
m. Limited library opening hours [ ]
Others (please specify)……………………………………………………………………...
PART C: RECCOMENDATION
15. What is your recommendation for library administration or collage in order to overcome
challenges during accessing for information?
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
47. 36
Appendix 2
LIBRARIAN STAFF QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Respondents,
Am Lameck Samwel, with registration number 2014-04-07250 pursuing bachelor of Library and
Information Studies, Collage of Social Science (COSS) in Department of Library and
Information Studies Program at University of Dar es salaam. This questionnaire is aimed at
gathering data to examine the accessibility of information resources to users with special needs
to meet information demands. Kindly respond to the questions as sincerely as possible. You are
assured that the information provided by you will be treated confidentially.
Thanks for your cooperation.
PART A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION.
1. Library/ Department ----------------------------------------------------------
2. Which department current work in ---------------------------------------------------
3. Name (Option)…………………………………………
4. Sex: Male [ ] Female [ ]
5. Age: 18-20 [ ] 21-30 [ ] 31-40 [ ] 41 and above [ ]
6. Marital status: Single [ ] Married [ ]
48. 37
7. Have you ever involved to solve people with special needs?
YES [ ] NO [ ]
8. How long have you served patrons with special needs?
1 – 3 years [ ] 4 – 6 years [ ] 7 – 10 years and above [ ]
PART B: SERVICE AVAILABLE
9. Does your library provide services to users with special needs?
Yes [ ] No [ ]
10. Please indicate whether the following services are available in your library for the
special needs patrons, using the key below: (Tick on A if available and NA if not
available)
S/N SERVICE AVAILABLE A NA
a. Scheduled/personalized consultations with patrons
b. Recording Studio Service
c. Assistance in locating books from stacks and shelf areas
d. Inter-Library Loan Service to satisfy users with special needs
e. Volunteers who record materials on tape, CD, DVD
f. Reading Service for Short Print Materials
g. Familiarization for patrons with special needs to information
h. Material delivery service
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i. Braille Production Service
j. Symbols interpreters services
k Computer lab services
10. Please indicate other services if available to enhance accessibility to
information
i. )…………………………………………………………………………………….
ii. )…………………………………………………………………………………….
iii. )…………………………………………………………………………………….
iv. )……………………………………………………………………………………
11. Please indicate whether the following equipment are available in your library
for the special needs patrons, using the key below: (Tick on A if available and
NA if not available).
12. P
l
e
a
s
e
i
ndicate other services if available to enhance accessibility to information
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
A NA
A Wheelchairs and working aid
B Zoom lens monitors
C JAWS
D Talking books
E voice synthesisers
F Text enlargement software
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………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
13. What are challenges encountered during offering services to the users with
special needs
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
PART C: RECCOMENDATION
14. What is your recommendation in order to improve information services to the
users with special needs?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………