EVALUATION OF AUDIO-VISUAL RESOURCES AS AN ENHANCEMENT TOOL FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF LAFIA LIBRARY

This study examined the Assessment of the storage and preservation of library and information materials in Federal University of Lafia libraries Lafia, Nasarawa state. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 30. A sample size of 28 respondents was employed, and data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using frequency distribution, percentages, and mean scores. The findings revealed that while certain services such as Braille materials, audio resources, and reading assistance are available, they are irregular, limited in scope, and inadequate to meet the diverse information needs of visually impaired users. The lack of sufficient Braille books, audio books, and assistive technologies was identified as a major restriction to meaningful access. Furthermore, staff members were found to be insufficiently trained in providing inclusive services, which reduced overall utilization of available resources. The study also identified barriers such as inadequate infrastructure and funding, poor staff training and awareness, socio-cultural challenges, and lack of outreach. However, strategies such as capacity building for staff, embedding accessibility in library curricula, inclusive policy formulation, user centered services, infrastructure adaptation, and collaboration with NGOs, disability rights groups, and ICT firms were highlighted as crucial steps for improvement. Based on the findings, the following recommendations were made: Capacity Building and Training: Library staff should be regularly trained through workshops, seminars, and partnerships with disability organizations to improve service delivery to the visually impaired. Inclusive Policies and Infrastructure: Strong leadership commitment and adequate funding should be directed toward developing inclusive library policies and adapting infrastructure for accessibility. Collaboration and Outreach: Libraries should collaborate with NGOs, ICT firms, and disability groups, while also establishing outreach and mobile library services to expand access. In conclusion, achieving sustainable and inclusive library and information services for the visually impaired requires a holistic and multi-dimensional approach, integrating policy, infrastructure, training, and collaboration. Through such coordinated efforts, libraries can truly serve as gateways to knowledge and empowerment for all learners, regardless of ability.