Use of Library Technology and Services by the Visually-impaired and the Blind in the University of Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

This study investigates the existing library and information services, facilities and support available for the visually-impaired and blind students at the University of Khartoum in Sudan.It also highlighted the specific difficulties faced by these students in satisfying their information needs. The study sample consisted of 20 subjects out of a total population of 45 visually-impaired and blind students, constituting 44.44 % of the study population.  Literature review was also used to collect data about some aspects of the study topic, such as the different types of technologies available for enabling the visually-impaired and blind to benefit from library services. The study revealed that the services and facilities available at the University of Khartoum are inadequate. A number of recommendations that are expected to  improve the situation are suggested, including the need of the visually impaired and blind students  more training on using the available assistive technologies.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.36.2.9803