An examination of library services for students with visual impairements at Kenyatta University
| dc.contributor.advisor | Rachel W. Kamau-Kang'ethe | |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Kithinji, C. T. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kariba, Pamella Karambu | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2011-08-26T08:48:25Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2011-08-26T08:48:25Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2011-08-26 | |
| dc.description | Department of Educational Communication and Technology, 72p. The Z 711.92.V57K3 2009 | en_US |
| dc.description.abstract | Though Kenyatta university library is concerned with the provision of books, magazines, periodicals and other information materials. individuals with visual impairments are unable to benefit fully from these facilities due to the fact that its design, services, information and materials available are not friendly and accessible. This study attempted to investigate how the educational and other information needs of students with visual impairments are met at Kenyatta University and in particular paid attention to the library services offered. The study investigated the library resources necessary for an effective library for students with visual impairments; established the range of services available for these students and how the students responded to them. The study also assessed the staffing level and the workload of library staff- who offer library services to students with visual impairments. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The target population was students with visual impairments at Kenyatta University. Key participants included the technicians in the audio visual room of the library, the librarian in charge for these students and the university librarian. Stratified random sampling was adopted to select respondents. The strata included year of study and gender from which sixteen respondents were equitably selected from a total population of 44. Data were collected using brailed questionnaires, interview guides and observation guide and was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and mode. Pearson correlation coefficient was also used to make inferences regarding the relationship between variables measured. The study found out that the library layout was not convenient for students who are visually challenged. The reading materials were inadequate and the equipment did not satisfy the students' needs. The greatest challenge to Kenyatta University library service providers is how to improve access to reading and provision information material to students with visual impairments in the form it would be most accessible and useful to them. The greatest part of responsibility of coping with education processes however rests with the students themselves and they should be encouraged to meet this challenge with innovativeness and independence | en_US |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Kenyatta University | en_US |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/1227 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | en_US |
| dc.subject | Libraries and people with visual impairements | en_US |
| dc.title | An examination of library services for students with visual impairements at Kenyatta University | en_US |
| dc.type | Thesis | en_US |