Abstract:
Provision of library services to all users without discrimination is crucial to
libraries in this century. Inclusive academic libraries provide services to all users
regardless users’ disabilities. They enhance access and increase meeting the
needs of all library users. The purpose of this study was to determine how
inclusive are library services to the physically challenged students at Mzuzu
University Library and St. John of God College of Health Sciences Library and
how are these services similar or different. A structured questionnaire was used
to collect data from library staff and students at Mzuzu University and St. John
of God College of Health Sciences and semi-structured interview questions were
used to collect data from Librarians in both institutions. Observation checklist
was also used to identify the physical infrastructures, media formats, and services
provided in both institutions. The findings revealed that visual impairment was
the major physical challenge amongst students in both institutions. Although
physical infrastructures like ramps were available in both institutions, there is no
policy that guides provision of library services to physically challenged students in both institutions. The study therefore concludes that inclusive library services provided to physically challenged students are limited in both institutions due to lack of policies. The study, therefore, recommends that both institutions need to
take proactive measures in development of policies that can guide the provision
of library services to physically challenged students.
