ICT Use in Information Delivery to People with Visual Impairment and on Wheelchairs in Tanzanian Academic Libraries

Abstract

This paper investigated the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in information delivery for people with visual impairment and on wheelchairs in Tanzanian academic libraries. A pragmatism paradigm and the social model of disability of Oliver were employed using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Questionnaire, interview schedules and an observation checklist were used to collect data. The study population comprised library directors, other professional library staff, disability unit staff, people with visual impairment, and on wheelchairs and staff from the Ministry of education’s Special Needs Unit. A sample of 196 respondents was surveyed. The study found that ICTs facilitated information provision for people with these disabilities but that there was no adaptive or assistive equipment in Tanzanian academic libraries for them. Academic libraries should install assistive ICT equipment to facilitate information delivery easily, independently and remotely to people with visual impairments and in wheelchairs.