An assessment of policies and services provision to the physically challenged users of academic libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis

Abstract

This study was on policies and services provision to the physically challenged users of academic libraries in Zaria and Kaduna metropolis. The study consists of two research questions. The study adopted case study methodology to assess the opinion of five heads of academic libraries under study which constituted the research population. However, the research questions were subjected to descriptive analysis involving tables and percentages. The findings revealed that there were no disability policy in most (80%) academic libraries in Zaria and Kaduna Metropolis and there were no special resources for the physically challenged users as well. The study also revealed that the library buildings were of multiple storey’s without adequate facilitates for the physically challenged to navigate through the libraries. These findings differ from ALA Disability Policy Principle and Standards for all libraries in the world. The researcher recommended among others that Academic library policy must be redesigned to include disability resources and services in conformity with ALA standard and Library management should create a disability liaison office on the ground floor of their multiple storey buildings and affiliate such offices with any library for the disabled across the country for resource sharing.

Keywords: Policy, Disability Police, Academic Library, Physically Challenged