Factors influencing library use by students with disabilities in Zimbabwe: The case of United College of Education (UCE)

The study investigated the factors that influence library usage by students with disabilities at United College of Education in Zimbabwe. The study employed a qualitative approach. Interviews were held with sixteen students with disabilities, the chief librarian, two library assistants, and one library intern. Data were also collected through observations. Results reveal that great effort has been made to provide inclusive library services to students with disabilities; however, challenges remain. These include: physical inaccessibility of the library to students living with disabilities, lack of infrastructure to support available assistive technologies, information resources that do not accommodate students living with disabilities, and staff that is not adequately trained to handle users with disabilities. The study contributes to global debate about provision of library services to people living with disabilities from a Zimbabwean perspective. The study’s recommendations provide ideas that can be adopted by libraries to improve inclusivity.