Abstract
This study assessed the use of library information resources by students with special needs in Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo State, Nigeria. Four objectives were formulated which are to identify the available types of library information resources used by persons with special needs, to ascertain the purpose of use of library information resources, to determine the frequency of use of library information resources and to find out the factors hindering the use of library information resources by students with special needs in Federal College of Education (Special) Library, Oyo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quantitative survey research method. A structured questionnaire was used as the instrument for data collection. The study population comprises of 331 students in the school of Cerebral Disability (CBD), Hearing Impairments (SHI), Learning Disabilities (SLD), Physical Impairments (SPH), Visual Impairment (SVI) and Rehabilitation Education (SRE). Total enumeration was used due to the manageable size of the population and the analysis was based on the 267 responses received. The findings show that available types of library information resources were Assistive technologies, textbooks, newspapers/Magazines, and e- resources like e-books, e-encyclopedias, e-journals which are frequently used for many purposes and hindering factors include physical accessibility, inadequate skills by users, inadequate staff training, financial constraints, lack of assistive technologies and so on. This study therefore recommended the implementation of policies that encourage staff trainings/workshops and conferences and college and library management are to ensure the inclusivity of service provision, acquisition of up-to-date information resources through increased available funds.
Keywords: College Library, Federal College of Education (Special), Library Information Resources, Library Information resources use, Students with Special Needs
Publication Date: 2025-08-03