Trends in Support for Students with Special Educational Needs in UK University Libraries: Focusing on Support Personnel and Systems |
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| Authors: | Hiroyo Matsudo |
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| Institution: | Education, Bukkyo University, Kyoto-shi, Kita-ku, Japan |
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| Abstract: | The provision of service to students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) at university libraries in the UK differs based on the types of positions that are being used to staff these programs. This study finds that although nondedicated staff tended to provide services that required fewer specialized skills, they seemed to place a higher priority on meeting the immediate needs of students with SEN, while dedicated staff members tended to focus on the quality of the support being provided. Second, this study finds that it is difficult for university libraries to provide the tailored training or alternative formats required by students with SEN without support personnel on staff who have specialized expertise. It remains to be determined which type of special needs staffing and support system is most effective, since no significant differences were observed in the responses of those surveyed. |
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| Keywords: | Special support special support personnel students with SEN University libraries |
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