Page 119 - RUICHSS 2023 Proceeding

University of Ruhuna ISSN: 2706-0063
Matara, Sri Lanka

Table 1: Comparison of Inclusive Education Themes of the LIS with

VICLIS Research

Themes/areas of inclusive education identified in
relation to inclusive education from literature Areas covered by VICLIS Papers Areas not covered in literature
Accessibility in library services and facilities. Accessibility to books and resources for all users. Sensory and learning disabilities.
The importance of diverse and representative collections in
Diverse and representative collections in libraries. libraries. Digital accessibility.
Development of inclusive programming for a diverse range
Inclusive programming for a diverse range of users. of users. Social inclusion and community engagement.
Collaboration and partnerships among libraries, Collaboration and partnership among libraries, schools,
schools, educators, and community organizations. educators, and community organizations. Universal design.
The user-centered approach in providing inclusive Specific recommendations for information literacy and
library services. Adoption of a user-centered approach in library services. collection development.
The significance of accessible books and The provision of Braille books and addressing access to
technologies in promoting inclusive education. information issues.
Staff awareness and training for providing inclusive
services. Promotion of accessibility in library buildings.
The importance of cultural competence among Implementation of the Marrakesh Treaty to support visually
librarians. impaired students.
Gaps and limitations in existing research on inclusive
education in LIS. Improvement of staff awareness and training.
Thematic analysis of research abstracts from
conferences on inclusive education. Collaboration with relevant organizations.
The role of libraries in empowering users with special
needs.

However, despite the presence of these themes, there are certain gaps or areas
of inclusive education that seem to be lacking in the analysed papers. Some
potential areas for further exploration and research include:

• Assistive technologies: While there is mention of assistive technologies in
university libraries, further research could delve deeper into specific

technologies, their effectiveness, and their integration into library services.

• Information literacy for people with disabilities: The abstracts briefly
mention the repackaging of information, but information literacy

programmes created especially for people with disabilities that emphasise

empowering them to effectively navigate information resources merit
more attention.

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