Accessibility and Usability of Library Websites to Students with Visual and Physical Disabilities in Public Universities in Kenya
This article examines the accessibility and usability of library websites to students with visual and physical disabilities in public universities in Kenya. The study used survey research design and adopted a mixed methods approach. Data were gathered using survey questionnaire, focus group discussi...
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| Published in: | International journal of knowledge content development & technology Vol. 11; no. 2; pp. 55 - 75 |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Journal Article |
| Language: | Korean |
| Published: |
2021
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Get full text |
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| Summary: | This article examines the accessibility and usability of library websites to students with visual and physical disabilities in public universities in Kenya. The study used survey research design and adopted a mixed methods approach. Data were gathered using survey questionnaire, focus group discussions, structured interviews, and observation. The study population consisted of six public universities that had a longstanding tradition of enrolling students with disabilities. Census was used to obtain a study sample comprising of students with visual disabilities (86), students with physical disabilities (91), University Librarians (6), Personnel from Disability Mainstreaming departments (6), Systems Librarians (6) and Library Personnel who provided information services to students with disabilities (133). The Social Model of Disability and IFLA Access to Libraries for Persons with Disabilities checklist were used as conceptual and theoretical framework in the study. Study results revealed that all the libraries had library websites. However, the websites did not have disability services page or information specific to individuals with disabilities. Also a section of students with disabilities lacked awareness of the existence of library websites and e-resources available through them. Additionally, the website design posed various access challenges. The study concluded that people with disabilities were excluded from access and use of library websites in public universities. The authors recommended that library websites must contain disability services page containing information specific to persons with disabilities. Moreover, libraries should evaluate their websites to ensure compliance with W3C requirements for web content accessibility. Additionally, libraries should develop disability policy to provide guidance on provision of information services to persons with disabilities. |
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| Bibliography: | KISTI1.1003/JNL.JAKO202119061994695 |
| ISSN: | 2234-0068 2287-187X |