Factors affecting the Use of Information by Visually Impaired Students: With Special reference to the Library, University of Colombo

Abstract

Visually-impaired (VI) students still face unusual difficulties in accessing library resources although there are several assistive technologies and devices being available to help them to get access to information resources. Equality in services mandates libraries to strive for their best to assist these special-need users by examining and mitigating the challenges faced by them. In this regard, a case study was carried out at the Main Library of the University of Colombo, where 42 visuallyimpaired students were interviewed using a set of semi-structured interview questions. The study population constituted totally blind and partially impaired students. Issues facing by the respondents were