The study was carried out to determine the Availability and Utilization of Information Resources and Services in the Special Education Centre Libraries. Investigation revealed that the physically challenged student library users form part of the heterogeneous clientele who seek library services or information to supplement their desire for educational attainment. Regrettably, due to their peculiar nature, their effectiveness to utilize the needed library resources and services seem to be greatly affected.
In the course of this research, six research questions were posed to guide the study, while two hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted survey research design, and used observational checklist and rating scale as data collection instruments. The sample size for the study was 250 comprising five special education staff and 245 special education pupils/students. Results revealed that the number of available information resources for the blind and partially sighted is significantly less than expected in this context. That the number of available information resources for the deaf and hard of hearing is also significantly less than expected.
The study also revealed that the available information services for the blind and partially sighted is significantly less than expected, the available information services for the deaf and hard of hearing is also significantly less than expected. The available information resources for the blind and partially sighted are not fully utilized, and the available information resources for the deaf and hard of hearing are not fully utilized. The study concluded that the provision of information resources and services is less than expected.
Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be provision of information resources. Also, there should be adequate funding for proper management of the special education centre libraries in Nigeria in such a way as to meet the present day educational demand for these classes of students studied, among others.