Research: Library and Information Needs of People with a Disability

Return to main page

This report presents the results of a research project commissioned by Vicnet, a division of the State Library of Victoria. The research explores the library and information needs of people with a disability, particularly in relation to the internet.

Data was gathered through targeted surveys of three groups: people with a disability, carers, and Victorian public library staff. The questionnaire responses and analysis, as well as a supporting literature review, were documented in the report by The Equity Research Centre.

While the main focus of the surveys was on use of the internet in public libraries, broader non-internet related issues around access, the built environment and customer service were also prominent.

Some of the key themes outlined in the report include:

Challenges in ensuring internet access facilities can meet the needs of library users with a disability;
Accessibility of online catalogues, data bases and library websites;
Training, support, and awareness raising for library staff to provide services and source appropriate equipment for people with a disability;
Potential for library staff to have greater awareness of and networking with community resources such as local disability groups and support networks;
Issues about going to, getting in, getting help and being comfortable at the library.

Five major recommendations are contained in the report:

More support for library staff so they can effectively handle adapative and assistive equipment and provide a better ICT services for people with a disability.
More funding for libraries to provide the necessary equipment.
Introduce benchmarking to ensure all library websites and online resources meet accessibility requirements.
Improve physical accessibility to public libraries (again through benchmarking), including design issues within library buildings and getting people to libraries.
Introduce a formal process where public libraries are required to respond to the Disability Discrimination Act.

If you would like to make comment on the research findings and contribute to future discussions on the topic, please contact Colleen McCombe on 03 8664 7001. The full report can be downloaded here.