A Study of the Information and Service Needs of Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and How Public Libraries Meet These Needs

by Chike, D. M.

The needs of people with intellectual disabilities have been largely neglected by public libraries due to various factors. The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which public libraries in Orange, Durham and Wake counties meet the information and service needs of adults with intellectual disabilities and to determine what information, materials and programs are important to this user population. Along with a review of the findings in the literature, this study presents specific examples of information, materials and programs important to individuals within this user group as expressed by individuals with intellectual disabilities. The findings indicate that some libraries do provide effective service in particular areas of service and programming, but overall the public libraries surveyed could improve service to adults with intellectual disabilities predominantly in the areas of needs assessment, planning for services, outreach, and adaptation of services.