The Need for Inclusive Romanian Libraries

• Main Authors: Daniela Popa, Angela Repanovici
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Romanian Library Association 2019-12-01
• Series: Revista Română de Biblioteconomie și Știința Informării
• Subjects: special needs students; diversity; strategic planning; inclusive environment
• Online Access: http://www.rrbsi.ro/index.php/rrbsi/article/view/84/40

More and more in Romania it is felt the need to have well-trained teaching and administrative staff in order to transform schools, universities and libraries into inclusive environments. Often, not only the material base is missing (for example: access technologies), but a large part of staff also feels that they do not have the skills necessary to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities and their families. This research aims to investigate the training needs of teaching staff and librarians, both in schools and universities. This article uses a mixed methods research, combining a survey based on questionnaire with one-on-one interviews. At this research 85 respondents participated, 34 of whom were professors and 51 were librarians. A majority of respondents (95%) consider necessary to take part on courses for updating the knowledge and skills necessary for working with children / pupils / students with disabilities and their families. Also, the respondents point out the need for a team of specialists to mediate the relationships between professionals and people with special needs.