Preparedness of academic libraries to serve students with disabilities: Reflections from the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College and University of Zululand, South Africa

This paper reports on an empirical study which was conducted to investigate the
preparedness of academic libraries to serve students with disabilities at University of Malawi, Chancellor
College and University of Zululand. This is a qualitative study that employed an interpretive paradigm.
The study used Oliver’s social model of disability as an underpinning theory. Data was collected through
semi-structured interviews with students with disabilities and library staff . In addition, physical audit
of the two libraries was conducted. The study revealed that the two libraries are not ready to serve
students with disabilities. Inaccessibility of library buildings, lack of materials in alternative formats,
lack of assistive technologies, and lack of awareness of library electronic resources by students with
disabilities are some of the barriers facing students with disabilities in the two libraries. Practical
implications of the fi ndings include developing enabling policies as the fi rst step towards creating
inclusive environments in libraries. Librarians must also move beyond acknowledging the need for equal provision of services by making it a reality. This paper encourages academic libraries to critically reassess their role in building inclusive universities where all students, whether disabled or not, are given an equal opportunity to full participation in the university education system. Regarding social implications, access to any form of information is a fundamental human right that must be enjoyed by everyone in society including persons with disabilities. The UNCRPD and Sustainable Development Goals, especially goal number 4, visualise an educational environment where persons with disabilities have equal and timely access to information like everyone else. Libraries as inclusive societies must champion this vision. As the social model of disability entails, access barriers must be identified and removed to make this a reality.
KEYWORDS: Sustainable Development Goals, students with disabilities, University of Malawi, University of Zululand.