The Theoretical Model of an Inclusive Library for People with Disabilities and its Practical Implementation

Abstract

Purpose and Originality: This study aims to analyse the concept of an inclusive and socially responsible library, to develop the theoretical model of an inclusive library for people with disabilities, and to investigate the practical possibilities for implementing this model in regional libraries in order to reduce social exclusion of people with disabilities and to increase their social inclusion. The paper presents the results of empirical research conducted in two counties of Lithuania. Based on the results of the interviews of heads of libraries and heads of organizations representing people with disabilities, the model of an inclusive library was supplemented and the change management of an inclusive library was actualized.  

Method: The methods of this study are based on stakeholder theory (Dangi & Gribb, 2018, pp. 339–341; Harrison, Freeman & Abreu, 2015, pp. 859–860; Lipiński & Jamro, 2018, p. 225), where the management of stakeholders involves meeting their needs and ensuring their wellbeing. The theoretical part of the research uses the methods of scientific literature analysis, generalization, and systematization, which enabled to theoretically define the concept of an inclusive public library for people with disabilities, substantiate the instrument of the empirical research, and discuss the results of the empirical research. In the empirical part, a qualitative method of e-mail interviews was chosen to conduct the opinion survey of organizations representing people with disabilities and heads of libraries. The obtained results were analysed, then the theoretical model of an inclusive library was supplemented with practical insights of the empirical research.

Results: The results of the research showed that a changing public attitude towards public services and their accessibility (expectation is greater accessibility and diversity) stipulates the change in the roles of budget-based libraries and preconditions the development of an inclusive library for people with disabilities. Based on the theoretical and empirical findings obtained during the research, the model of an inclusive library for people with disabilities was developed and substantiated. Also, it was proved that the development of an inclusive library for people with disabilities requires the change management which involves stakeholders, i.e. representatives of people with disabilities and institutions implementing public policy at the national and local level, into all stages of the transformation process to become an inclusive organization for people with disabilities.

Society: This study highlights the need to increase the social inclusion of libraries to meet the needs of all stakeholders, including people with disabilities. Increasing the social inclusion of libraries can reduce the social exclusion of people with disabilities and promote their inclusion in the community and society in broad terms. An inclusive library creates added value for society and contributes to the implementation of social justice.

Limitations / further research: The empirical research was conducted in two counties of Lithuania (Šiauliai and Telšiai), involving 10 libraries. Because budget-based libraries in Lithuania have a similar management structure, operate on the grounds of the same strategic documents of the Republic of Lithuania, have similar opportunities provided by the Government and the Ministry of Culture to engage in innovative activities and address social problems, the results of the empirical research can be applied at the national level, except for the capital region, which should be investigated separately due to the high concentration of specialized libraries and the National Library. It would also be useful to analyse the best practices of other European countries whose libraries have made the largest progress in promoting social inclusion.