Towards Accessible Public Libraries for Persons with Disabilities in Nueva Ecija: An Explanatory Sequential Design

Author Information

Mark Ignatius Soriano, University of Santo Tomas &Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Philippines
Sonia Gementiza, University of Santo Tomas & De La Salle University–Dasmariñas, Philippines

Abstract

Public libraries, as essential public spaces, should be accessible to all individuals, including persons with disabilities (PWDs). This study, guided by the Social Model of Disability as its theoretical framework, assessed the accessibility of public libraries in Nueva Ecija for individuals with physical disabilities, as well as those with visual and/or hearing impairments. Utilizing an explanatory sequential design, the study first employed the “Adaptation in Library Resources Questionnaire” by Bashir et al. (2017) for quantitative data collection. The sixteen (16) staff and four (4) heads of the active public libraries in Nueva Ecija participated in the survey. Subsequently, qualitative data were gathered through a focus group discussion. Survey results revealed deficiencies in physical facilities, collections, assistive technologies, and services for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, library staff exhibited a lack of knowledge, awareness, and training regarding disability accessibility. The focus group discussion identified four key themes affecting library accessibility in Nueva Ecija: library initiatives, budget constraints, the number of library users with disabilities, and library facilities. The study concludes that public libraries in Nueva Ecija require significant improvements to better accommodate individuals with physical, visual, and/or hearing impairments.

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