Availability and use of assistive technologies at selected South African public libraries
African Journal of Disability
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Availability and use of assistive technologies at selected South African public libraries | |
| Creator | Mamafha, Takalani M.M. Ngulube, Patrick Dube, Luyanda Ngubane, Sindile A. | |
| Description | Background: Assistive technologies (ATs) enable persons with visual impairment (PwVI) to equitably benefit from public library resources and services as their sighted counterparts. However, the extent to which this facility is available and used at public libraries in less-developed countries remains largely unknown.Objectives: This study reports on the investigation done on the availability and use of ATs by PwVI at public libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg in South Africa.Method: The study used a multimethod and explanatory sequential design in which data were collected through questionnaires administered with 131 librarians and interviews held with 10 PwVI.Results: The findings of the study point towards inadequate availability of computers with internet services, audiotapes, screen magnifying and reading software, and these were used for, among others, leisure, research, job searching and communication.Conclusion: The study concludes that certain ATs were inadequately available and used by PwVI at some libraries in the cities of Ekurhuleni and Johannesburg. The study recommends training for PwVI on how to use ATs, marketing of available ATs, training of staff on how to render AT-based services as well as management availing adequate budget for the development of AT-based collection.Contribution: The study contributes to the understanding of the types of ATs available and used by PwVI in public libraries. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2023-08-31 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/ajod.v12i0.1141 | |
| Source | African Journal of Disability; Vol 12 (2023); 10 pages 2226-7220 2223-9170 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1141/2442
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1141/2443
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1141/2444
https://ajod.org/index.php/ajod/article/view/1141/2445
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