University Library Services For The Differently-abled People: A Pilot Study Mitra Sharmistha*, Shukla Archana**, Sen B K*** *(PhD student, IGNOU), Head, Library & Information Services, EIILM, 6 Waterloo Street, Kolkata – 700069. E-mail: sharmi.mitra2011@gmail.com **Assistant Professor, Library and Information Science Programme, School of Social Sciences, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. E-mail: archana@ignou.ac.in ***Member, Research Council, History of Science, Indian National Science Academy, Residence: 80 Shivalik Apartments, Alaknanda, New Delhi – 110019. E-mail: bksen1938@gmail.com Online published on 9 October, 2014. Abstract This pilot study focuses on the existing scenarios of the library services for the differently-abled students being provided by some university libraries in India. It provides results of the study conducted with the University of Calcutta and Jadavpur University. Also highlights the scenario of other central universities. Till now academic library services for these persons are inadequate. Recently some university libraries have taken steps in this regard. UNESCO and IFLA have issued guidelines to provide equal library services to all including people with disabilities. The Government of India and University Grants Commission have also issued guidelines in this regard. This study highlights the special equipments, infrastructure and services that the libraries are expected to provide for the disabled pupil. Top Keywords Differently-abled people, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, university library services. Top |