Informational practices of deaf subjects at the Joaquim Cardozo University Library at UFPE

Abstract

This paper is configured as a case study to discuss the informational practices directed to deaf people as an element of inclusion in the Joaquim Cardoso Library (BJC) at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), in order to identify what informational practices are being developed by these users and if the products and services made available by the unit are in accordance with the informational needs of this group. The paper discusses the importance of information and its role in communication, which reflects on informational practices through customer service and services, moving towards a mediation adapted to all those who frequent information spaces such as libraries. It also addresses that implicit to the service is the need and understanding of the field of accessibility for inclusion practices, in which places what type of accessibility is configured in the sphere of inclusive interaction with deaf individuals, in this case the communicational accessibility, and the considerable understanding of what is language and language as well as its social role for a better adaptation and understanding of the relevance of inserting and using the Brazilian Sign Language (Libras) as a communication tool more present in the service within these spaces with deaf individuals. The research is characterized as exploratory since it uses bibliographic records that address the context presented and for seeking to understand the services expressed in the unit studied, as well as qualitative explore through a questionnaire the interpretation given to these services by deaf individuals who attend the Center for Arts and Communication of UFPE and the library studied that is located there, aiming to understand how they see the unit and the services provided by them and what can be adapted to better serve them. Given the results obtained with the study, it was realized the importance of dialogue with the library policies and propositions that benefit and fit the information needs of deaf people, as well as the relevance of interacting with this audience for a better adaptation and inclusion of accessible services to the means used by them and according to their rights.