Accommodating Inclusive Education in Library and Information Science Research: In the Case of Virtual International Conference on Library and Information Science (VICLIS)

Abstract

The library should allow for inclusive education as a crucial component of instruction to ensure quality and equity. In order to investigate the propensity of library and information science researchers to adapt inclusive education in libraries, this paper reviews ten (10) research abstracts and presentations made at the Virtual International Conference on Library and Information Science (VICLIS), organised by the SLTC Research University Sri Lanka. The sample consisted of 25 papers that were submitted to VICLIS conferences by Library and Information Science (LIS) scholars from eight different countries. Following a screening process, 10 articles from India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka were chosen and subjected to theme analysis. The availability of assistive technology devices in university libraries and themes like improving reading and writing skills in visually impaired students were found to be prevalent in LIS research. Other themes included the difficulties faced by users with disabilities, the role of libraries in supporting students with disabilities and repackaging information to meet user needs. The results suggest that the library service should adopt the new theme of "Inclusive Library Service." In addition to providing Braille books, addressing information access problems, promoting accessibility in library buildings, and putting the Marrakesh Treaty into effect to support students who are blind or visually impaired, LIS researchers have advised doing the following things. Libraries have a significant impact on the empowerment of people with special needs. To improve inclusive education, future LIS research should focus on assistive technologies, information literacy for individuals with disabilities, collection development, and professional development requirements in libraries.