Evaluating library services for differently-abled students of selected Indian Institute of Information Technologies of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh

Libraries are essential to education because they offer a wide range of services and resources that promote learning, research, and critical thinking. Inclusive library services are crucial in India, where 2.68 crore people (2.21% of the population, according to the 2011 Census) are classed as disabled. Through the use of communication tools and technology, libraries are adapting to the requirements of their clients with disabilities. They guarantee fair access to resources, events, and services, enabling people with disabilities to participate completely in intellectual and academic endeavours. The need for improved accommodations and assistive technology is highlighted by this study, which emphasises the role libraries play in promoting inclusion, especially in Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), where accessible services’ quality and availability vary greatly. In order to determine how accessible library services are for people with disabilities, this study examines how inclusive they are at a few chosen Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs). The lack of low-vision reading devices, which are essential for users who are visually challenged, is a major deficiency in all institutions. To improve accessibility in these educational institutions, the results highlight the necessity of more extensive physical accommodations and assistive technologies.