Towards Leveraging Free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Software to Enhance Library Accessibility and Inclusiveness for Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria: A Review.

Abstract

Libraries of all kinds are democratic institutions established to provide information services to all persons irrespective of their status. Extant literature suggests that persons with disabilities are denied most rights accorded to able-bodied library users. As people with information needs, persons with disabilities deserve the same rights to accessibility and inclusiveness in library services. This literature review paper focused on how free AI software can be leveraged to enhance library services for persons with disabilities in Nigerian libraries, given the dwindling finances experienced by libraries in Nigeria. Among other things, the paper looked at the status of library services for persons with disabilities, AI, and library services for persons with disabilities while outlining some free AI software that can enhance accessibility and inclusiveness. The place of training and retraining for capacity building, commitment, and diligence among librarians and management is also emphasized.