The Provision of Library Services and Facilities for Visually Impaired Students in Visually Impaired Schools in Karnataka: A Study

Abstract

The study describes the facilities and services available to visually impaired students in Karnataka. In  this study, data were collected from visually impaired schools in Karnataka using a questionnaire  method. The study found that 18 schools investigated had school libraries; however, no full-fledged  library services and facilities are available. The visually impaired population does not have the necessary  knowledge and skills to utilize the current electronic environment's resources and services. Information  and Communication Technology (ICT) can provide user-friendly and adequate services for these  students who have been ignored for a long time. In addition to the IFLA guidelines, the University  Grants Commission has issued guidelines for developing library and information services for people  with blindness. As explained in this study, libraries should provide exceptional facilities and services for  visually impaired students as well as provide suggestions for improving library and information  services for these students.