Abstract
This study investigated the availability and use of library resources by the physically challenged students
for improved academic performance in selected special schools in Abuja. The study answered four
research questions. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the research. The populations of the study
were all the identified students with mobility, hearing and visual impairments. The total number of
physically challenged students was 120 from where a sample of 80 was taken. Questionnaire was used to
collect data for the study. The collected data was analyzed using simple percentages. Findings revealed
that information resources in the library under study are grossly inadequate. It is also revealed that the
available information resources in the library understudy were not accessible. Based on the findings, it
was recommended among others that money should be made available for the procurement of library
materials, provision of computers and internet facilities in the library, while proper awareness should be
created by the library on the information resources they have. There shouldbe employment of more
qualified library staff; while information retrieval tools such as catalogue, abstracts, etc. should be
prepared to ease accessibility and organization of intensive user education programme to teach students
how to use library materials. The study concluded that information resources should be made available
and access should be created to enable students utilize the resources effectively.
Keywords: Academic Performance, Availability, Use, Library Resources, and Physically Challenged
Publication Date: 2024-08-25