Abstract
ABSTRACT Public libraries provide information to all persons and its users are the inhabitants of the community it serves. This may not be the reality in some cases as some category of persons may not be properly served by the public library. This study assesses the provision of information materials in alternative format, in terms of its availabili-ty, access and level of use by the visually impaired in public libraries in southwestern Nigeria. The study adopt-ed survey research design. Four (4) public libraries in four states were purposively selected because they are the ones that provide alternative format for the use of a sizable number of the visually impaired. Complete enumer-ation was used to capture all the 166 registered users of the libraries through the use of observations checklist and interview schedule. Data from 69.2% of the 166 visually impaired persons that were interviewed, and the observations made were analyzed. The result reveals that alternative formats availability were inadequate and , e-resources were not available while access to formats and information desired by the users were limited. Braille is the most utilized format; audio materials and large prints were seldom used. The demand for alternative formats is high but it is not related to level of use of materials. Provision of information materials in alternative formats for the visually impaired in public libraries cannot support the needs of the visually impaired; it requires intervention from all stakeholders. The study recommends improved investment and funding for public librar-ies and services to persons with disabilities.
Highlights
Whilst other types of libraries focus on special categories of users, the public library is not restricted to any group of clientele
What is the situation of public libraries in recent years? Aina (2004) asserts that in spite of the fact that public libraries have existed for a long period in Nigeria, they are in a state of neglect with poor collection of materials, personnel, and services
The majority of the visually impaired users of the public libraries were adults, the study revealed that a sizable number of students are registered users of alternative formats
Summary
Whilst other types of libraries focus on special categories of users, the public library is not restricted to any group of clientele. It is a universal library expected to serve all groups of persons including the young, old, and persons with disabilities (Aina, 2004). They should be democratic in outlook with the mandate to provide information that is crucial to the socio-economic development of the people. They acquire, process, and disseminate information in a variety of formats to every citizen in the community where they are sited regardless of race, gender, age or physical state (Rita-Okeke & Owoeye, 2011). What is the situation of public libraries in recent years? Aina (2004) asserts that in spite of the fact that public libraries have existed for a long period in Nigeria, they are in a state of neglect with poor collection of materials, personnel, and services
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