EVALUATION OF ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR SUPPORTING PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED USERS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN KOGI STATE

The study focuses on the evaluation of adaptive equipment for supporting physically challenged users in university libraries in Kogi state. The objective of the study are to; identify available adaptive equipment for supporting physically challenged users in Kogi state university and Federal University Lokoja, evaluate the adaptive equipment for supporting physically challenged users in the institutions under study, determine the level of functionality of the adaptive equipment for supporting physically challenged users, identify challenges in the use of adaptive equipment by physically challenged users in the academic libraries in Kogi state, and proffer possible solutions to challenges in the use of adaptive equipment by physically challenged users in the academic libraries in Kogi state The study surveyed 96 respondents. The study also reveals that truch pads, on-screen keyboard, braille translator and printer etc. are available adaptive equipment for supporting physically challenged users. The functionality of the adaptive equipment is at moderate level. The major challenges in the use of adaptive equipment by physically challenged users are; lack of skilled man-power, lack of properly trained library personnel, architecture barriers, lack of funds and perceptions towards handicapped users. Possible solutions were also proffered based on the challenges. It was concluded that university libraries need to design program and special services geared towards readers who are physically challenged in order not to be discriminatory and disabling. Also restructuring the university library resources and services. From findings of the study, it could be recommended that people with disabilities need special attention when they visit the library, the library staff should be knowledgeable about various disabilities and how to serve persons with these disabilities, a person in a wheelchair or using crutches or a walker should be able to enter through the door and pass through security check points. Regardless of the disabilities they should be able to enter without encountering obstacles, library management should provide information materials that would carter for physically challenged and the existing library facilities should be redesigned and modified with new technologies so as to enable mobility- challenged users to effectively and efficiently use library resources.