ASSESSMENT OF LIBRARY RESOURCES AND SERVICES FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF JOS LIBRARY

ABSTRACT This study examined the assessment of library resources and services for students’ with disability in the university of Jos library. The study was guided by four objectives. Inline with these objectives the study answered four corresponding research questions. The research design employed is a quantitative descriptive survey method specifically a descriptive survey research design. The target population consists of 314undergraduate students with disability in the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Education University of Jos. A sample size of 100 students were selected using simple random sampling and used for the study. The sample consisted of equal number of students across 100 level to 4oo level.The instrument used for data collection was a structured questionnaire for students titled Questionnaire on accessibility to library resources and services among undergraduate students with disability in the University of Jos’ (SQALRSUSD). The instrument was subjected to face and content validity. The reliability of the instrument was also established at 0.81 coefficient. The data collected was analyzed simple percentage, frequency count, and mean method as well as standard deviation. The analysis revealed that,Key resources such as assistive technologies, adaptive workstations, Braille materials, sign language interpreting services, and audio books are available and actively utilized by students with disabilities in the University of Jos Library.Also that effective strategies to enhance accessibility include implementing assistive technologies, providing materials in alternative formats, improving physical and online accessibility among others. The study concluded that,while the library demonstrates commendable efforts in providing essential resources such as assistive technologies, Braille materials, and adaptive workstations, challenges persist in the form of inadequate physical accessibility, limited alternative formats for library materials, and insufficient staff training. The study also recommended that, training programs should be organized regularly for library staff to enhance their capacity to assist persons with disabilities effectively, with a focus on handling assistive technologies and alternative formatsamong others.