ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION UTILIZATION AMONG VISUALLY IMPAIRED PUBLIC LIBRARY USERS IN THREE EASTERN STATES OF NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the assistive technology and information utilization among visually impaired public library users in three eastern states of Nigeria using a descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised 21 visually impaired users. These include all the visually impaired users (people that are short-sighted and the blind) of Abia, Imo and Anambra States public libraries. The figure was obtained by making a preliminary visit to the libraries and inspecting the circulation files of the circulation desk of the libraries. Census sampling technique was used to select all the 21 visually impaired users of the Abia, Imo and Anambra States public libraries. A questionnaire served as a data collection tool. It was validated by senior university lecturers in Library and Information Science, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rivers State, Nigeria for content and face validity; the corrections made was effected in the instrument. The data collected was tested using Cronbach Alpha reliability testing method and 0.86 reliability coefficient was realized which shows that the instrument for the study was reliable. Results showed shows that the relationship between the use of braille and information utilization among visually impaired was high strong and positive (r = 0.781); use of talking books and information utilization among visually impaired public library users was a high strong and positive  relationship with (r = 0.781); relationship between the use of  large print and information utilization among visually impaired public library users in three eastern states in Nigeria was high strong and positive (r = 0.352. The study therefore conclude that assistive technology integration into teaching and learning should extend beyond the classroom to include the library as to enhance information utilization among the visually impaired. It was recommended amongst others that the State Public Library Board (SPLB) should make budgetary provision for the purchase of braille in her collection development in all her branches as to enable the visually impaired users use available information resources to improve on themselves and their environment.