“PROVISION OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES TO PEOPLE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS”, RETHINKING LIS COURSE CURRICULUM: A CASE STUDY OF IGNATIUS AJURU UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, PORT HARCOURT RIVERS ST

Education remains key to human and national development. A comprehensive detailed and all-encompassing course curriculum serves as the foundation for quality education that is expected to yield the desired outcome. It is very crucial to consider this aspect carefully when pursuing a degree in Library and Information Science. Seasoned librarians with special needs skills that can man libraries (irrespective of type) should be taken into cognizance. This discourse therefore advocates that rethinking and revising LIS course curriculum (Provision of Library and Information Services to People with Special Needs LIS 221) to accommodate other aspects of special needs is an absolute necessity and a top priority. It suggests that LIS curriculum should include human rights advocacy, administering of first aid services for users with special needs, bibliotherapy to people with special needs among others. The course can be expanded to run through two semesters instead in 200 level.