Perception of visually impaired students on library resources and services in academic libraries: the case of University of Dar es salaam and Open University of Tanzania

This study examined the perception of visually impaired students on library resources and services in academic libraries. The study was conducted in Dar es Salaam region, particularly at the University of Dar es Salaam and Open University of Tanzania. The survey method was employed in which questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and observations were used to collect data. A total of 60 sample, 32 from University of Dar es Salaam and 28 from Open University of Tanzania took part in the study. The key findings reveals that unavailability of specialized services for the visually impaired students, inadequacy of modern technological equipments, lack of materials in alternative format such as (Braille materials, audio books), lack of librarians who are subject specialist, lack of skills to access electronic information and lack of committed staff to assist visually impaired students were all factors responsible for the ways visually impaired students perceive the services offered by the academic libraries. Based on the findings, recommendations were made that university authorities should attempt to provide well established specialized services with modern technological equipments so as to ensure equal access to information for all categories of user. The study concluded that the information services that are provided for all the students at OUT and UDSM do not adequately meet the needs of visually impaired students.