Author
Suzanne Heaven works as an Information Co-ordinator
for Graduate Prospects, based in Manchester, UK. She
has a first degree in English Literature 2 (i) from The
University of Wales,Aberystwyth and a Masters degree
in Information and Library Studies, with distinction,
from Loughborough University.
Email: mailto:S.Heaven@prospects.ac.uk
Abstract
This article examines the results of a Masters research
project which examined the provision provided by
Higher Education (HE) library services for students
with disabilities within the context of the new disability
legislation,The Special Educational Needs and Disability
Act 2001 (SENDA), which came into force on 1st
September 2002.
Five HE libraries were selected as case studies and this
included interviews with staff, an accessibility audit of
services and facilities and a questionnaire targeted at
students with disabilities. Library provision was
assessed in light of library policies, procedures and
practices. On the positive side, all libraries had a
disability representative and many staff attended
disability awareness training. However, accessibility of
the built environment was often inadequate for the
needs of people with disabilities. Lighting was poor,
shelving was of inappropriate width and height and
signage was far from ideal. Recommendations to
improve provision included: compilation of formal
written disability policies; compulsory disability
awareness training and proactive promotion of
available facilities. |