Library Services in Meeting the Information Needs of the Visually Impaired in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper focuses on the information resources and services that libraries provide
for the visually impaired to meet their information needs. Information rules the
world and the core duty of every library is to provide the right information at the
right time in the right format to its users not minding their physical health,
language, race, age, nationality, religion etc. Visual impairments are very common
disabilities in all countries of the world. Persons with visual impairment need
information resources in special formats to be able to access the resources in the
library. This paper examined the information resources/services available to the
visually impaired such as; Braille books, optical aids, talking books, large print
etc. It further discussed the “Adaptive or Assistive Technologies devices for the
visually impaired which are: voice recognition software, screen reader and screen
magnifier. The challenges militating against effective information service delivery
for the virtually impaired was looked into as architectural barriers, limited
financial and human resources, accessibility and utilization of information etc. It
concluded that if inclusive education must be achieved then libraries must
endeavour to provide specialized library services to the visually impaired as this
will give them a sense of belonging that will help them participate as active
members of the society. Training and retraining of staff, use of library guide, etc.
was recommended.