USE OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE LIBRARY BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: A PATRON PERSPECTIVES SURVE

Abstract

This research study aims to identify assistive tools for persons with disabilities and the satisfaction with information services provided by the libraries of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT). Students from the top ten IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) were targeted for this survey research study. The students were enrolled in undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs. A semistructured questionnaire was designed in the print and web formats to seek their opinions on assistive technologies. A snowball sampling technique was used to collect data from the students with disabilities. A total of 217 samples were collected and tabulated into graphs and charts. The respondents gave a positive feedback on the services and infrastructure provided by the IIT libraries to persons with disabilities. They were satisfied with the assistive tools and outreach but needed more training on the use of emerging technologies and services. They made a heavy use of laptops and mobile devices to access library resources and services. They were somehow dependent on the library and emphasized that library staff should be trained in helping and assisting students with disabilities. Many research studies have been conducted globally and in India. This research study was conducted in one of the premier institutions of India. The research findings are pretty insightful on the feedback of persons with disabilities on the library services. The findings would be helpful for policymakers and librarians who wish to design a lab for or provide services to persons with disabilities.

Keywords: Persons with Disabilities, Assistive Technologies, Inclusive Services, Inclusive Library, Information Services, Library Services, Special Services, IIT Libraries