Information system for visually impaired in Indian universities: a user’s perspectives
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/IDD-05-2021-0053 |
| Published date | 07 October 2021 |
| Date | 07 October 2021 |
| Pages | 312-325 |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Library & information services,Lending,Document delivery,Collection building & management,Stock revision,Consortia |
| Author | Raj Kumar Bhardwaj |
Information system for visually impaired in
Indian universities: a user’s perspectives
Raj Kumar Bhardwaj
Department of Library and Information Sciences, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India and Library, St Stephen’s College,
Delhi, India
Abstract
Purpose –This study aims to comprehend the perceptions of visually impaired users in development of information systems in Indian universities.
This will help higher educational institutions in India to fulfil information requirements of visually impaired users.
Design/methodology/approach –A twofold method was used in the study: survey of visually impaired students in four universities; design and
development of an online information system for visually impaired (ISVI). A structured questionnaire was used for survey of visually impaired users
in Indian universities. The questionnaire with 33 open-ended questions was distributed among 603 visually impaired users and 316 responses were
received. Stratified sampling technique was used in data collection. Response rate was 52.4%. The received responses were analysed using
Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 19 and presented through tables and figures.
Findings –Majority of respondents revealed that lack of content availability in vernacular language, poor information resources access mechanism,
less volume of course content and poor maintenance of assistive software(s) and devices and non-standardized e-resources compatible with the
assistive software(s) are some major inhibits faced. Majority of respondents revealed that they prefer scribes in examinations because use of
assistive technology (AT) is time-consuming. Lack of training and confidence in using AT is another reason for preferring scribes in examinations.
Research limitations/implications –This study was conducted on a limited number of visually impaired uses in Indian universities. Also, the
online system ISVI contains a sample collection related to undergraduate courses only.
Practical implications –This study will help Indian universities to identify problems faced by visually impaired users. Findings of the study can help
faculty members, decision-makers to understand the perspective of visually impaired. Besides this, the study can also help government agencies in
formulating policies. Findings will help in developing robust information resources suiting the needs of visually impaired.
Originality/value –This study developed an online system ISVI (www.isvi.in) suitable to address the requirements of visually impaired stud ents.
Furthermore, it can guide policymakers, faculty members and information professionals in developing seamless open access information systems.
Keywords India, Blind, Information system, Visually impaired, Assistive technologies, Indian universities
Paper type Research paper
1. Introduction
Visually impaired students in higher educational institutions
encounter several barriers in getting desired content for study
and research. Therefore, an inclusive environment ought to be
provided to disadvantaged groups to promote a “sense of
belonging.”Information and communication technologies
(ICTs) play a crucial role in providing access to resources to
persons suffering from visual dysfunction. Visual impairments
include any kind of visual dysfunction including refractive
errors, colour blindness, low vision and partial sight (Pradhan
and Samanta, 2018). A supportive, welcoming and accepting
atmosphere should be provided to persons with any type of
visual dysfunction so that they feel comfortable (Peters, 2007;
Symeonidou and Phtiaka, 2009).Library professionals dealing
with visually impaired students must have empathy because it
influences effective communication and understanding
between library professionalsand users with visual dysfunction.
Each library professional, with the responsibility to provide
services to visually impaired students, must learn empathic
skills (Nikolova, 2004;Bodaghi et al., 2016). Library
professionals must equip themselves with empathy so that they
can help users with visual impairment to achieve their
objectives in academic institutions. Visually impaired users
encounter enormous problems in acquiring the required skills
such as shortcuts keys, voice browser and screen readers.
Keyboard and size of keys play a crucial role in learning ICT
skills (Simsek et al., 2010). Web contents do not follow
standard guidelines to make the content accessible for visually
impaired students. These are major barriers. Web pages using
assistive technologies (ATs) do not give satisfactory outcome
and visually impaired students are not happy in using text-to-
speech synthesizers and other Braille output tools.Inadequacy
in handling graphics, embedded scripts and unavailability of
content in mother language are other challenges faced by
visually impairedstudents (Murphy et al.,2008).
The current issue and full text archiveof this journal is available on Emerald
Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/2398-6247.htm
Information Discovery and Delivery
50/3 (2022) 312–325
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 2398-6247]
[DOI 10.1108/IDD-05-2021-0053]
The author thankfully acknowledges the support of Indian Council of
Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi.
Received 13 May 2021
Revised 31 July 2021
10 September 2021
Accepted 10 September 2021
312
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