An investigation of access to information by students with visual impairment at University of Namibia library, main campus

Abstract

The aim of this research report was to investigate the access to information by students with visual impairments at University of Namibia Library, main campus. This study made use of Wilson’s model of information. A case study research design was used and the study made use of interviews as a data collection method. The population of this study was UNAM Library staff and visually impaired students at UNAM, main campus. The study applied purposive sampling technique to select the Librarians, and convenience sampling technique to select the students. Librarians were selected purposively because of their better understanding of the topic being study and students were selected because their availability. Interviews were conducted with librarians and students, and interview guides were provided. To analyze qualitative data, the content analysis method was used. The study revealed that various services were offered to visually impaired students to enable them success their studies. Furthermore the study showed that the service provided were not user friendly and the study also discovered that services provided were not all in the right format. The study recommends UNAM library management to allocate enough funds to purchase necessary equipment for the provision of information. The study proposes a study on the provision of information services to other UNAM campus