The Provision of Library Services and Facilities for Visually Impaired Students in Visually Impaired Schools in Karnataka: A Study

The study describes the facilities and services available to visually impaired students in Karnataka. In this study, data were collected from visually impaired schools in Karnataka using a questionnaire method. The study found that 18 schools investigated had school libraries; however, no full-fledged library services and facilities are available. The visually impaired population does not have the necessary knowledge and skills to utilize the current electronic environment’s resources and services. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can provide user-friendly and adequate services for these students who have been ignored for a long time. In addition to the IFLA guidelines, the University Grants Commission has issued guidelines for developing library and information services for people with blindness. As explained in this study, libraries should provide exceptional facilities and services for visually impaired students as well as provide suggestions for improving library and information services for these students.