BANDUNG – A student from the Library and Information Science (PSI) Study Program at Padjadjaran University (Unpad), Audie Aqmarina, has successfully published her research findings titled “Equal Access for People with Disabilities: An Accessibility Analysis of the Bandung City Archives and Library Service.” Supervised by lecturers Dian Sinaga, M.Si., and Dr. Rully Khairul Anwar, the research aimed to determine the level of accessibility of library services for people with disabilities at the city’s public library, using the IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions) standards as a guideline.
Conducted in 2024, the study was motivated by the importance of providing equal access to information resources for all members of society, including people with disabilities. Libraries, as information hubs, play a crucial role in achieving this. Therefore, this research aimed to measure the extent to which the Bandung library meets international accessibility standards and to identify the challenges faced in the process.
The research used a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques including observation, documentation, and interviews. Audie analyzed the availability of library facilities and services based on the IFLA checklist, which covers various indicators from physical infrastructure to digital services. This approach allowed the researcher to obtain comprehensive data on the real conditions on the ground.
The research findings revealed that the accessibility at the Bandung City Archives and Library Service is not yet fully compliant with IFLA standards. Based on the calculations, the accessibility level only reached 44.14%. Out of a total of 111 instrument items on the IFLA Checklist, only 49 were found to be available and in line with standards, while 62 others were still unmet. This indicates that many shortcomings still need to be addressed, despite the library’s efforts to provide these services.
The study also identified various challenges faced by the library in providing services for people with disabilities, stemming from both external and internal factors. These obstacles include budget limitations, a lack of trained human resources, and inadequate infrastructure. The findings provide a clear picture of the challenges that must be overcome to improve accessibility.
Audie Aqmarina’s research not only makes an academic contribution but is also highly relevant to two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). First, SDG 4: Quality Education, which emphasizes the importance of equal access to information and education for everyone, including people with disabilities. Second, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, which aims to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all people. These findings highlight the need for concrete action to ensure that libraries become truly inclusive spaces.
The scientific article has been published in the INNOVATIVE Journal of Social Science Research, making it an important reference for librarians and practitioners in Indonesia striving to improve library accessibility.
The publication can be accessed via the following link: http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250122182301_2972.pdf
Writers: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Delfin Gusti Wanda
