An Investigation of the capacity of academic library services to serve users with disabilities:

: a case study of a regional service of The Alma Jordan Library, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies

Crynodeb

This study investigates the effectiveness of academic library services provided to students with disabilities; to discuss the main barriers to social and information access to persons with disabilities; to highlight basic problems regarding services and technological features; to identify potential training methods for staff to deal with students with disabilities and to make recommendations for improvements to the services for persons with disabilities. This study is an investigation of the topic through the specific case of at The Alma Jordan Library (AJL), University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. For purposes of this paper the term “persons with disabilities” was used to encapsulate all types of disabilities as well as to ensure that there aren‟t negative stereotypes about the subject matter. The case study approach was adopted to effectively examine the issues identified in the literature review. The mixed methods approach to data collection was adopted, including a student and staff survey and interviews to gain the librarian‟s and management perspective. A literature review established the study within the context of relevant research. The empirical results reflected aspects of the previous studies, and also demonstrated that the library has significant usage levels with an important role in the provision of services to students with disabilities. Recommendations were made for improving library services to bridge theses gaps, The AJL and SLDD can work in tandem for problem solving as well as further research.

Dyddiad Dyfarnu	2016
Iaith wreiddiol	Saesneg
Sefydliad Dyfarnu	Prifysgol Aberystwyth
Goruchwyliwr	Hugh Preston (Goruchwylydd)