ACCESSIBILITY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN LIBRARIES: A SURVEY OF UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN MUMBAI

Purpose: Disabled population is also a part of our society. Libraries, being public spaces, have a responsibility to ensure that all patrons may utilize their services without encountering any barriers, as required by integrated and inclusive special education policies. The university library serves a diverse population of readers and researchers, making it an essential resource for the dissemination of information and the dissemination of knowledge. Patrons of academic libraries span a wide range of ages, socioeconomic statuses, and degrees of education. The present article assesses and evaluates the provision of universal access in university libraries in Mumbai through a survey of university librarians in Mumbai. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was conducted using Google Forms as well as printed questionnaire for the university librarians in Mumbai. Findings: According to librarian responses, university libraries in Mumbai do not have enough of the necessary access tools, alternative information sources, and learning aids to meet the demands of their students. It has a detrimental effect on the quantity of special users enrolling at universities and their libraries. Originality value: This paper utilizes a survey of Mumbai academic librarians to examine and evaluate the extent to which universal access is provided in Mumbai academic libraries. This study is an integral aspect of a larger investigation of human orientation at Mumbai, Indias university libraries.