The Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) at IIT Hyderabad will organize a two-day national symposium titled “Accessible and Inclusive Digital Library (AIDL)–2026” on March 6-7, 2026, at its campus. The symposium will bring together library professionals, academicians, researchers, accessibility experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology innovators to discuss assistive technologies, digital accessibility, and inclusive library services for persons with disabilities.
With India having an estimated 2.68 crore persons with disabilities and global disability estimates exceeding 15% of the population, the symposium addresses the critical need for accessible digital content and inclusive learning ecosystems. The event aims to foster dialogue, share best practices, and build collaborative solutions for empowering Divyangjan users across educational institutions.
Prof B S Murty, Director, IIT Hyderabad, emphasized the institution’s commitment to building an inclusive learning ecosystem. He stated that the symposium reflects IIT Hyderabad’s motto of “Inventing & Innovating in Technology for Humanity” and aims to transform India’s library ecosystem into one that is equitable, accessible, and inclusive for all. He drew inspiration from Louis Braille, the inventor of the reading and writing system for visually impaired people.
Prof Ashok Kumar Pandey, Dean (Academics), commended the Knowledge Resource Centre for conceptualizing this initiative. He noted that by fostering dialogue on inclusive design, digital accessibility, and sustainable library ecosystems, AIDL-2026 will contribute to strengthening academic excellence and research innovation across institutions.
The symposium will cover diverse themes including assistive tools and technologies, community engagement and collaboration, designing inclusive library spaces and services, accessible media and digital library platforms, and policy and legal compliance with accessibility standards. The event will feature invited talks, panel discussions, product demonstrations, case studies, interactive sessions, and networking opportunities with domain experts.
Prof Saket Asthana, Chairman, Knowledge Resource Centre, stated that the symposium will provide a meaningful platform for stakeholders to deliberate on emerging trends in accessible technologies, universal design, inclusive policies, and sustainable digital frameworks. The platform will facilitate networking with publishing partners, assistive technology partners, academic partners, library tools providers, industry partners, inclusive enablers, media partners, and sign-language interpreters.
The organizing committee includes Prof B S Murty as Chief Patron, Prof Ashok Kumar Pandey as Patron, Prof Saket Asthana as Symposium Chair, and Dr Bhojaraju Gunjal, Chief Library Officer, as Convener and Organizing Secretary. The co-conveners are Dr Mallikarjuna C, Deputy Librarian, and Mr Siva Kimidi, Assistant Librarian, with support from all library staff.
The symposium’s key objectives include creating awareness about accessible and inclusive digital library practices, highlighting emerging assistive tools and technologies, encouraging collaboration between libraries and academic institutions, networking with accessibility experts, identifying challenges, and proposing actionable recommendations for inclusive library services. The event aligns with IIT Hyderabad’s commitment to digital empowerment and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
