Delivering library services to visually impaired students: Needs, awareness and competencies

Equity, equality, diversity and inclusion in accessing viable library and information services and resources remain challenging tasks for librarians and libraries in developing countries. The researchers conducted a study to examine library service delivery to visually impaired students at the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They used a descriptive research design that combined qualitative and quantitative approaches to better understand library service delivery to visually impaired students. Data was gathered using a mixed-methods approach that triangulated questionnaire and interviews. To analyse the data, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were applied. The study reveals that visually impaired students require diverse library services and resources. However, their wants and needs are unmet by the library. The study also discloses that low awareness of library services and resources as well as inadequate library staff competencies pose serious obstacles to providing them with successful and viable services and resources. Librarians’ readiness to serve visually impaired students is an important aspect for viable inclusive and universal library service provision.