The Compliance Rate of Public and Academic Libraries and Information Centers’ Building and Equipment in Zanjan, Iran According to the International Standards for the Physically Handicapped, from the Perspective of Architectural Experts, Library Official

Document Type : Short Communication(s)

Authors
Fatemeh Zandian 1
Nahid Bayat Bodaghi 2
Farhang Farrokhi 3
1 Assistant Professor, Library and Information Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
2 MSc, Library and Information Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, Zanjan University, Zanjan, Iran.
Abstract
Introduction: For cultural development and growth of a community, the participation of all individuals, including physically disabled people are required. In this study, the compliance rate of public and academic libraries and information centers’ building and equipment in Zanjan, Iran was determined according to the international standards for the physically handicapped, from the perspective of architectural experts, library officials and disabled people.Methods: In this descriptive survey study, 142 disabled people in Zanjan, Iran and the buildings and equipment of 14 public and academic libraries of the city was studied in 2006. Data collected using a questionnaire which validity and reliability was calculated via coefficient Cronbach's alpha (0.84). Obtained data analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency.Results: From disabled’s point of view, parking space, ramp and private space of libraries have the most physical obstacles and public and inner spaces has the least obstacles for them. 46.2% of libraries did not have ramp and 63% of libraries being studied did not have private study space for disabled.Conclusion: The buildings and equipment of these places are not adjusted to suitable condition to 100 percent and all spaces should be evaluated and optimized based on existing standards.Key words: Information Centers; Librarians; Libraries; Disabled Persons.