Challenges affecting physically disadvantaged users in accessing library services in polytechnical colleges

Physical differences are part of human life, some are physically disadvantaged while others physically advantaged. According to information from World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of the world's population has some kind of disability, which in numbers represents more than one billion people....

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Vydané v:Journal of access services Ročník 22; číslo 1-3; s. 41 - 53
Hlavní autori: Chibangwa, Pretty, Chigwada, Josiline
Médium: Journal Article
Jazyk:English
Vydavateľské údaje: Binghamton Routledge 03.07.2025
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Predmet:
Access
access to library services
Accessibility barriers
Decision makers
Decision making
Disability
Disadvantaged
Discrimination
Equal opportunities
Equal opportunity
Holistic approach
inclusivity
Interviews
Libraries
Library associations
Library cataloging
Library Services
Opportunities
People with disabilities
physical accessibility
Polytechnics
Public health
Public services
Resource Centers
Respondents
Services
special needs library services
User services
World population
ISSN:1536-7967, 1536-7975
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Popis
Shrnutí:Physical differences are part of human life, some are physically disadvantaged while others physically advantaged. According to information from World Health Organization (WHO), 15% of the world's population has some kind of disability, which in numbers represents more than one billion people. Yet all should have equal opportunities and access to resources despite these differences. Libraries are not an exception in providing equal opportunities in service provision to all whether advantaged or disadvantaged. According to the regulatory and legal framework including the UNESCO Manifesto, United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability, laws on libraries and accessibility of different IFLA members, and other protocols, library services should be provided on the basis of equal access to everyone. This paper focused on the challenges affecting physically disadvantaged users in accessing library services in polytechnics and how these libraries have responded to inclusivity in terms of service delivery. Particular reference was given to one polytechnic. A mixed method approach was used with a sample of 180 respondents that was purposively selected for the study. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to generate data. Findings revealed that the library was lagging behind in offering inclusive services that offer equal opportunities to all users despite physical differences. This has resulted in discrimination on service delivery. The paper recommended library policies on inclusivity and practical implementation, establishment of disability resource centers, as well as a holistic approach from decision makers of the polytechnic and parent ministry to improve service delivery on the physically disadvantaged users.
Bibliografia:ObjectType-Article-1
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ISSN:1536-7967
1536-7975
DOI:10.1080/15367967.2025.2542161