Study of library resources and services available to students with special needs in New Zealand schools : perspectives of librarians from special needs schools, primary and intermediate schools

Abstract

This study sought information from school librarians and persons with library responsibility providing services to special needs students. It sought information about services and resources available to students with special needs and how well they meet their needs. It gathered the librarians' perspectives regarding their training needs and the barriers to provision of effective library services to the students A survey questionnaire soliciting the librarians' participation was sent to a total of 400 schools in different regions in New Zealand, comprising 46 special needs schools, 270 primary and 84 intermediate main stream schools. The overall response rate was 23.25%. Survey results indicated that the respondents were of the opinion that in general, resources were available in small numbers. Responding librarians indicated that factors of time, accessibility, staffing, funding and training need to be addressed to improve information services to students with special needs. Respondents indicated the need for training in several areas with emphasis on information literacy, information technology and use of electronic resources. Respondents' suggestions included team efforts between librarians and educators, networking and contacts with other related agencies and service providers for effective planning and delivery of library services to students with special needs. A review of the resources and services currently available to this group of student community they serve, would help school libraries plan for required suitable services to accommodate the needs of the students.