BANDUNG, 2024 — Research conducted by the Library and Information Science Study Program, Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University, highlights the important role of librarians in improving reading and writing literacy for children with hearing impairments. This research was conducted by Nurul Fadilla, a student in the Library and Information Science Study Program, along with lecturers Rully Khairul Anwar, Siti Chaerani Djen Amar, and Evi Nursanti Rukmana. The results have been published in the academic journal VISI PUSTAKA, Volume 26, Number 2, August 2024 edition.
This study aims to examine the role of librarians in providing services to the entire community, including people with disabilities. The researchers want to ensure that all individuals have the right to access information. Librarians, as part of the state apparatus, have the duties of planners, implementers, and supervisors. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of librarians’ creativity in delivering basic literacy materials so that they are easily understood by children with disabilities.
To achieve these objectives, this study employed a narrative literature observation method. The researchers analyzed various topics from previous research to identify relevant new insights. The data used were sourced from various online journals, both national and international, published between 2013 and 2023. This data collection process was conducted in a highly centralized manner to ensure the freshness and relevance of the information.
Based on the analysis, it was found that librarians must be able to act as facilitators, managing information so that it is easily understood by deaf children. They not only act as educators but also as managers, ensuring there are no barriers to accessing services. These findings highlight the crucial role of librarians in providing valid and useful data.
This study also provides practical recommendations for implementation in the field. Librarians are advised to use more specific learning media, such as images and imitation objects, to help deaf children understand their surroundings. Furthermore, it is important to create disability-friendly library spaces where they can learn and explore freely.
Overall, this research aims to ensure that deaf children can actively participate in inclusive classrooms and achieve literacy skills on par with their peers. This effort is expected to help create a more equitable and inclusive environment. These findings also align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
The full article is available at:
http://media.unpad.ac.id/files/publikasi/2025/rpm_20250210105656_4584.pdf
Authors: Ridha Amalia, Nadziva Shaqeena, and Moh. Fikri Ardinata Fuadi.
