Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

 

Date of this Version

Winter 2-12-2018

Abstract

This study is aimed at examining the information needs of the wheelchair users in Oyo State Public Library, Ibadan, Nigeria. A Survey research design was adopted. Four objectives were set for the study and the interview was used to elicit information from respondents. Findings showed that (81%) were male while (19%) were female. Findings also reveal that the information needs of wheelchair users covered education (95%), recreational (86%), social/personal (72%), security/government policies programmes (70%), health (67%), politics (63%) and (21%) others information. The study revealed that Internet (79%) and (72%) library topped the highest ways of meeting the information needs. Also, (63%) wheelchair users visit the library every day while (16%) visit the library once in two days whereas (12%) visit the library about three times in a week and (9%) visit the library occasionally.

The study showed that (60%) found the information resources inadequate in meeting their needs. Problems confronting wheelchair user’s information needs include, inadequate entrance (100%) and lack architectural design (95%), (74%) inadequate orientation/lack of chairs with sturdy armrests, (72%) inability to retrieve books/social discrimination, (67%) poor concentration/inadequate facilities, (51%) staff attitude is discouraging, (40%) inadequate relevant materials and (7%) others. The paper concludes that the government of Nigeria need to articulate policies to remove the barriers faced by the less privileged among us. Recommendations were put forward to enhance adequate and relevant information by the wheelchair users in the library.

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