Barriers and Challenges in Information Seeking: Experiences of Visually Impaired Persons in Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Abstract

Access to information is recognized as a fundamental human right; however, visually impaired persons (VIPs) continue to face significant challenges in exercising this right. These barriers persist largely due to the unavailability of accessible formats, limited access to assistive technologies, and inadequate institutional support systems. The present study investigates these challenges within the context of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, employing Wilson’s Information Behavior Model (1996) as the analytical framework to understand the information-seeking behaviors of VIPs. A structured questionnaire was administered to a sample of 100 respondents to collect data on the specific obstacles faced. The findings revealed several key barriers: a notable lack of accessible information formats such as Braille, audio, and screen-readable digital content; insufficient availability and affordability of assistive technologies; overdependence on intermediaries for information access; undertrained library staff unfamiliar with the needs of VIPs; and financial constraints that hinder access to both resources and support services. These findings point to systemic gaps in the current information provision infrastructure for the visually impaired. To address these, the study recommends the adoption of inclusive library services that prioritize accessibility, expansion in the provision and maintenance of assistive technologies, and comprehensive training programs for librarians and information professionals. Equipping libraries with both the tools and the human capacity to serve VIPs is essential for promoting equitable access to information and ensuring that this fundamental right is upheld for all members of society, regardless of visual ability.