An Evaluation of Academic Libraries Empowering Women, Children, and Differently-abled Individuals in Uttar Pradesh
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Date
2025-12-02
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INFLIBNET Centre Gandhinagar
Abstract
Academic libraries are crucial instruments for fostering equitable access to information,
especially among underrepresented groups such as women, children, and differently-abled
individuals. In the state of Uttar Pradesh, India, substantial urban-rural disparities
substantially influence the availability and utilization of library resources. This study
evaluates how these disparities impact educational empowerment by analyzing service
accessibility, digital inclusion, and user engagement. It is employing a mixed-methods
approach; data were analyzed for 480 participants across 66 academic institutions in eight
cities, supported by quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback. The study reveals that
while urban women and children demonstrate higher library engagement and better
educational achievements, differently-abled users continue to face difficulties owing to
inadequate assistive technologies and insufficient staff training. Children see the greatest
academic gains, while women benefit in digital literacy and self-confidence. Despite strong
motivation, differently-abled users remain underserved. Digital platforms like NDLI and
DIKSHA exist, yet their impact is constrained by limited awareness, poor infrastructure, and
exclusionary practices. Barriers such as short operating hours, lack of quiet zones, and
absence of inclusive or gender-sensitive resources disproportionately affect rural and
marginalized users. The study highlights the urgent requirement for upgraded infrastructure,
inclusive policy development, and targeted staff training, concluding with practical strategies
aimed at reducing access disparities and fostering empowerment among all user groups in
both urban and rural areas
Description
14th International CALIBER 2025, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, November 17-19, 2025
Keywords
Academic Libraries, Digital Readiness, Empowerment Outcomes, Social Inclusion, Urban-Rural Disparities