Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Libraries: Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6239-618-0_25How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Artificial Intelligence; Library Accessibility; Disability Rights; Assistive Technology; Inclusive Libraries; Right to Information

Abstract

Libraries have long been central to the pursuit of knowledge, equality, and social development. Yet, for millions of persons with disabilities, these institutions often remain out of reach due to physical, technological, and informational barriers. In an age where access to information is a basic human right, such exclusion undermines both social justice and the global commitment to inclusivity. This paper explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can transform libraries into truly accessible spaces that empower individuals with diverse abilities. It begins by tracing the historical evolution of library accessibility and reviewing existing assistive technologies. The literature review highlights both international progress and persistent challenges, revealing how AI has begun to reshape accessibility through innovations such as intelligent screen readers, automated text-to-speech systems, predictive search interfaces, and AI-powered navigation aids. Case studies from leading library systems across the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, and India demonstrate the practical potential of AI-driven tools in promoting independence and equity. The paper further analyses ethical, economic, and policy concerns, emphasizing the need for human-cantered and rights-based design. By integrating insights from technology, law, and social inclusion, this study argues that AI is not merely a convenience but a catalyst for realizing the long-promised goal of universal library access.

Copyright

© 2026 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Jyoti Singh
AU  - Ragini Bhardwaj
AU  - Amrita Singh
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/03/16
TI  - Artificial Intelligence and Inclusive Libraries: Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
BT  - Proceedings of 3rd International Conference on Library & Technology on “Artificial Intelligence and Humanities in Library and Education 4.0 (AIHLE 2025)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 323
EP  - 336
SN  - 1951-6851
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6239-618-0_25
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6239-618-0_25
ID  - Singh2026
ER  -