Accessibility and facilities for the disabled in public and university library buildings in Iran

Abstract

The study examines the views of architect experts and physically disabled users on the accessibility status of 14 public and university library buildings in Iran. The respondents rated on the availability of items listed in a checklist grouped under five categories: parking, ramps, interior layout, exclusive space and public space for the disabled. The checklist was based on the American Disability Act and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions checklist for libraries for the disabled. The results indicate that the point of view of both disabled users and architects on all criteria is similar except for the ratings on the ramp and the interior layout for the disabled in library buildings. Based on the architects’ responses, 53.8 percent of libraries did not provide ramps and 63.0 percent had no exclusive space for the disabled. Disabled users who rated higher on library accessibility were frequent visitors to the library. The provision of access and equipment met minimum compliant standards on the standard checklist, but there is room for improvements.

Provision of library services to people with disabilities in Malawi

“…A study by Bodaghi and Zainab (2013) indicated that both architects and people with disabilities rated accessibility of the public and university library buildings in Zanjan province in Iran as "not good enough". Todaro (2005) in Argentina and Koulikourdi (2008) in Greece have likewise shown that much more needs to be done if libraries in their countries are to be described as truly accessible to people with disabilities.…”

“…The right to access facilities, information sources and services without any hindrance is one of the fundamental rights a society should protect, especially for people with disabilities (Bodaghi & Zainab 2013). In light of this statement, the present study explored accessibility of library buildings to people with disabilities.…”

“…Discrimination prevents people who are discriminated against from exercising their rights, including the right to access information resources in libraries and information centres. The right to access facilities, sources and services without any limitations is one of the fundamental rights of any society (Bodaghi & Zainab 2013). However, it is evident that people with disabilities face challenges when it comes to accessing libraries and using their resources.…”

Library services provision for people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs in academic libraries in Tanzania

“…The findings concur with those of Ndumbaro (2009) who says that the national policy is not clear on the availability of library and information services. In the same vein, Bath (2005), cited in Bodaghi and Zainab (2012), claims that there is a lack of policies, procedures or guidelines that cater for the needs of people with disabilities. UNESCO (1997) asserts that only a few universities have a written policy regarding disabled students.…”

Accessibility to public institution facilities for people with disabilities in Novi Sad - European capital of culture 2021

“…This problem should be resolved. Barriers on the roads and accessibility to public institution facilities, schools, faculties, banks, health institutions, theatres, museums, but also to residential buildings and houses must be identified and removed, as noted by many researchers (Bodaghi & Zainab, 2012;Chiwandire & Vincent, 2017). The results of our study show that about 80.0% of the examined institutions in Novi Sad are not at ground level (80.8% of educational and 79.3% of public institutions), which entails the obligation for them to ensure fulfilment of the required accessibility elements, in this case, ramps.…”