Inclusive Libraries, Use of Assistive Technologies, Librarians Digital Competency and User Satisfaction of Physically Challenged Students in Public Higher Institutions, Oyo State, Nigeria
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Date
2024-12
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Lead City University, Ibadan
Abstract
The study aimed at investigating the influence of inclusive libraries, availability of assistive technologies, librarians’ digital competency on user satisfaction of physically
challenged students in higher institutions, Oyo State, Nigeria. This becomes necessary as observations revealed that the physically challenged students are hardly seen in libraries. Therefore, the study sets out to; identify the level of users` satisfaction of the physically challenged students in higher institutions, ascertain level of inclusive libraries practices among higher institutions, also, identify level of assistive technologies and librarians` level of digital competency for the physically challenged, ascertain the influence of inclusive libraries on user satisfaction of the physically challenged and determine the combined influence of inclusive libraries, use of assistive technologies and librarians’ digital competency on users satisfaction of the physically challenged. Hypothesis were also formulated and tested. The study employed the use of both qualitative and quantitative method of data gathering involving all the heads of libraries in public higher institutions in Oyo state, given the size of the population for this study, total enumeration was adopted. Personal interview and structured questionnaire were used as instruments for the study. The result revealed that while there was a generally high level of satisfaction with library services, areas like support services require improvement. Additionally, the inclusiveness of library collections was deemed moderate, with positive perceptions but with gaps in areas such as Wi-Fi reliability and accessibility facilities. The study also highlighted that the use of assistive technology is at a moderately high level, though further enhancements in accessibility and user training are necessary. Moreover, librarians demonstrated above-average digital competencies, contributing positively to the library experience for students with disabilities. A significant positive relationship between the use of assistive technology and user satisfaction emphasizes the importance of technological support in fostering a more inclusive and satisfying library environment. Conclusions were made that Libraries should focus on improving support services by offering more tailored assistance and user-centric programs to meet the specific needs of physically challenged students, thereby raising overall satisfaction levels. In order to address shortcomings in inclusiveness, libraries should prioritize improving Wi-Fi reliability, enhancing restroom accessibility, and expanding services tailored for users with disabilities to ensure an equitable experience. Other recommendations were also raised ranging from the need to implement more extensive training sessions on the use of assistive technology and foster a culture of peer support to enhance accessibility and user confidence in utilizing these technologies as well as continuous professional development and digital training programs for librarians should be maintained, focusing on keeping their skills up-to-date, especially in new digital tools and platforms that can benefit physically challenged students. The study therefore contributes to the understanding of the interrelationship between library service quality and user satisfaction among students with disabilities knowledge, as necessary suggestions for further research were equally made.
Keywords: Inclusive libraries, use of assistive technologies, librarians’ digital competency, users’ satisfaction, physically challenged.
Word Count: 480
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Keywords
Inclusive libraries, use of assistive technologies, librarians’ digital competency, users’ satisfaction, physically challenged
Citation
Kate Turabia