INFORMATION SEEKING BEHAVIOUR OF VISUALLY CHALLENGED STUDENTS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON AND UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, WINNEBA.

ABSTRACT Research on information seeking behavior of the visually challenged students was carried out in University of Ghana, Legon and University of Education, Winneba to investigate whether the services provided by those universities accommodated the information seeking behavior of visually challenged students or not. The theoretical framework for the study was Wilson’s (1999) Information Behaviour Model. The survey method was used to collect data and 80 copies of a questionnaire were distributed to visually challenged students in both universities. Out of the 80 copies of the questionnaire distributed, 68 were completed and returned giving a response rate of 85%. The major findings of the study were that only one of the universities surveyed provides special services for visually challenged students. There were no specific policies from both universities Resources Centre (RC)/ Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN) for the provision of information services for this group of students. The visually challenged students got information to meet their academic needs through discussions with colleagues, visiting the RC/OSSN, browsing the Internet and relying on lecturers. Most of the students preferred electronic format depending on their level of sightedness. Also facilities, equipment and staff were found to be inadequate. The challenges facing students in seeking information include: print materials, mobility problems, poor library facilities and slow Internet connectivity. Recommendations made include a written service policy, provision of assistive technology devices and computers with Job Access with Speech (JAWS) software to improve information services for these special groups of visually challenged students