Provision of Assistive Resources for Patrons with Visual Impairment within Academic Libraries in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

The study assessed the strategies that academic libraries in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe could adopt to enhance the provision of assistive resources to patrons with visual impairment. The assessment grew out of the realisation that even though the introduction of assistive resources within academic libraries in the 20th century impacted positively on such libraries, their uptake in developing countries, including Zimbabwe, is inadequate, uninspiring, and fragmented. A qualitative research approach was adopted. The sample constituted five academic libraries that met the conceptual criteria of academic libraries in the study, 32 patrons with visual impairment, 12 library staff members, five lecturers who teach special needs education, four staff members from student services, and six Zimbabwe Library Association members who were purposively sampled. Questerviews, interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data for the study. The study established that the libraries faced varied challenges in providing assistive resources to the visually impaired patrons, which mostly included inadequate equipment and infrastructure, a lack of budget and financial resources, inadequate training and development, the attitude of library staff members, and a lack of national legislation. The study noted the need for the libraries to implement creative and unique solutions, which include sourcing for donations, undertaking crowdfunding initiatives or establishing public-private partnerships (PPPs). The study also underscored the need for the establishment of Disability Resource Centres in each library under study. In addition, library practitioners, through the Zimbabwe Library Association, should advocate for the establishment of national legislation that focuses on service provision to individuals with disabilities in academic institutions.