ΘΕΜΑΤΙΚΗ ΠΥΛΗ

Within the library profession, there is widespread support for access to libraries for people with disabilities. However, there is limited literature on the topic of access to public libraries for children with disabilities and their families and very little empirical research on this topic exists. This paper reports on an investigation of factors influencing access to public libraries for children with disabilities and their families from the perspective of the public librarian.

Provision of library services to all users without discrimination is crucial to libraries in this century. Inclusive academic libraries provide services to all users regardless users’ disabilities. They enhance access and increase meeting the needs of all library users. The purpose of this study was to determine how inclusive are library services to the physically challenged students at Mzuzu University Library and St. John of God College of Health Sciences Library and how are these services similar or different.

Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that includes differences or challenges in social communication skills, fine and gross motor skills, speech, and intellectual ability.1The symptoms of autism vary widely in type and severity and are usually seen in early childhood.

This report investigates the factors influencing access to public libraries for children with special needs and their families.