ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND INFORMATION ACCESS BY LIBRARY USERS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN JIGAWA STATE

Abstract

The researcher examined assistive technologies and information access by library users with visual impairment in academic libraries in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The population of the study comprised 148 librarians and library users with visual impairment. A sample of 43 respondents were used through purposive sampling technique. Two research questions were generated and two null hypotheses formulated and tested. Questionnaire was used as instruments for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts; two in Library and Information Science, one in Science and Mathematics Education, Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi. The reliability of the instrument was ascertained through a trial-test on librarians in Federal University of Technology Babura and Hussaini Adamu Polytechnic Kazaure. The test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.89. Data were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation to answer research questions while Chi-square goodness of it fit will be
used to test the hypothesis at 0.5 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that: there is no significant influence of accessibility to assistive technologies on information access by library users with
visual impairment in academic libraries in Jigawa State and there is a significant influence of assistive technologies on information access by library users with visual impairment in academic libraries. It was therefore recommended that academic libraries in Jigawa State should enhance the availability and usability of assistive technologies by providing modern, functional, and user-friendly devices suited to the needs of visually impaired users. And academic institutions should implement inclusive policies and regular training programs to ensure effective use of assistive technologies by both library staff and visually impaired users.