About the Symposium

AIDL-2026 will provide a platform to discuss on the above themes along with related issues and challenges and probable solutions to overcome risks associated with the future of different types of libraries to make it inclusive for all communities.

Key Facts:

  • India has an estimated 70 million disabled persons who are unable to read printed materials due to some form of physical, sensory, cognitive or other disability. The disabled need accessible content, devices and interfaces facilitated via copyright law and accessibility policies as reported by CIS-India.
  • As per the data report by Disability Index, globally disability estimates can be more than 15% of the total population, while in India the number of persons with disabilities are estimated to be more than 2.68 crores.
  • In line with the Bold vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and to support the 8 core pillars, this event will support the Digital Empowerment, Education and Skill Development, Sustainable Development along with inclusive future in the academic set-up.

Highlight of the event:

This event is supported by invited talks, panel discussion and demonstration, case studies on the above main themes. Also Interactive Sessions, Networking with Domain Experts, Sharing of Best Practices and Case Studies, Product Demonstrations, Platform demonstrations and Much more opportunities

  • Panel Discussions: Panel discussion with the domain experts
  • Product Talks & Showcases: Explore real-world inclusive products and solutions. Learn from Academic experts and industry leaders who have designed, built, and delivered accessible experiences for people with disabilities.
  • Speakers & Guests: The symposium will feature eminent speakers, experts, and dignitaries from the fields of special education, accessibility, and assistive technology. Profiles of notable contributors will be shared closer to the event date.

This event is supported by invited talks, panel discussion and demonstration, case studies on the above main themes. This forum will also provide a platform to discuss the above themes along with related issues and challenges and probable solutions to overcome risks associated with the future of different types of libraries. The event will connect library professionals, academic-industry partners, and allied professionals across the world.

Objectives of AIDL-2026

  • To create awareness about accessible and inclusive digital library practices
  • To highlight emerging assistive tools and technologies
  • To encourage collaboration between libraries, academic institutions and other institutions
  • Network with accessibility experts, technology and domain experts
  • To identify challenges and propose actionable recommendations for inclusive library services
  • Sharing of Best Practices and Case Studies in this domain

About IIT Hyderabad

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH) is an Institute of National Importance established by an Act of Parliament under the aegis of the Government of India, Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education, New Delhi.

About IITH-KRC (Knowledge Resource Centre)

IITH KRC - Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC- Library) - has been functioning since 2008. The library presently holds more than 40,000+ Books including gratis. E-resources collections include 5,000+ Full-text Resources, Bibliographic Databases, 1,83,000+ e-books, Academic Tools, and Online Newspapers & Magazines. The IITH library is fully automated with the integrated library software package using Koha and the RFID security automation system. IITH Library has been renamed as IITH Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC) relocated to the new building and re-started its functioning on 27-March-2024.

The summary of the infrastructure, facilities, services and state-of-the-art technology available at KRC to support Teaching-Learning and Research (TLR) activities, initiatives implemented by the library can be seen at:

Visit Library Website Virtual Tour Video

Speakers & Guests

The symposium will feature eminent speakers, experts, and dignitaries from the fields of special education, accessibility, and assistive technology. Profiles of notable contributors will be shared closer to the event date.

Call for Papers

About the Theme and Sub-Themes of the Symposium

Theme: Accessible and Inclusive Digital Library (AIDL)

The following are the Main Themes and Sub-Themes pertaining to Accessible and Inclusive Digital Library for all Persons with Disabilities (PwD) / Divynagjan Users, but are not limited to:

Main Themes Sub-Themes
Assistive Tools and Technologies Assistive Technologies & Alternate Formats for Higher Education
  • Screen readers, magnification, reading and writing tools used by students with disabilities
  • Accessibility of course packs, reading lists and course reserves
Enabling Digital Accessibility
  • Assistive Technologies: New Trends & Technologies
Remediation: Automated Document Accessibility Tools
  • Workflows for creating accessible PDFs, EPUB3, DAISY, audio books and Braille
  • Innovating Accessibility with Gen AI & Computer Vision
  • Indic Language Tools and Technologies
Best Practices and Case Studies
Community Engagement & Collaboration Empowering Community Engagement
  • Co-designing services with students with disabilities and Disabled Persons' Organisations (DPOs)
Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwD) / Divyangjan users
  • Peer-mentoring, student clubs and accessibility champions within campuses
Collaboration Spaces
  • Enhancing Collaborations with Bookshare, Sugamya Pustakalaya and other content providers
  • Partnerships between Academic libraries, public libraries and NGOs on inclusion
  • Role of sign language interpreters for effective communication Services
Best Practices and Case Studies
Designing Inclusive Library Space & Services Building Inclusive Library Spaces for all Divyanagjan Users
    Embracing Inclusive Library Services
      Next-Gen Libraries and Future of Libraries
      • Accessible Transport
      Best Practices and Case Studies
      Accessible Media & Digital Library Platforms Accessible library websites, discovery services, OPACs and institutional repositories
      • Implementing WCAG 2.2, GIGW and good practices in Indian higher education
      • Ensuring accessibility of e-journals, databases and e-book platforms
      • Emerging tools for accessible digital library interfaces
      Best Practices and Case Studies
      Policy, Legal Compliance & Institutional Governance Implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016 in academic libraries
      • Aligning with UGC, NAAC and national policy expectations on accessibility
      • Procurement, licensing and vendor management for accessible products and services
      • Developing institutional accessibility policies, audits and action plans

      📝 Registration

      Registration Details

      Registration fee for working professionals ₹ 3,500.00
      Registration fee for Students ₹ 2,500.00
      Registration fee for PWD students ₹ 200.00
      Registration fee for foreign delegates ₹ 4,500.00
      Registration fee for Corporate / Industries ₹ 5,000.00

      Last date of registration: 01.03.2026

      For registration inquiries, contact:

      Important Notes

      Note: The above Registration Fees is excluding GST (18%) to be included while making the payment.

      Accommodation & Transportation: The registration doesn't cover accommodation, transportation, etc. Participants who want to avail accommodation facility will have to inform in advance and he/she should have to bear the charges for accommodation depending on the kind of room(s), bed(s), etc. available at the time of the symposium.

      How to Register

      Registration form is available on the IITH-KRC website: https://library.iith.ac.in/events/aidl2026/

      Scanned copy of the filled-in Registration Form along with payment details has to be sent through email at: aidl2026.iith@gmail.com

      Payment Details

      Payment should be made through Online transfer / Demand Draft in favour of "Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad" payable at Canara Bank, IITH Kandi – 502284 and send to the following address.

      You may choose to pay the amount through NEFT/RTGS with following details:

      Account Name: Prof B S Murty, Director
      Account No.: 110171129768
      Bank Name: Canara Bank
      Branch Name & Code: Yedumailaram & 3458
      Account Type: Savings Bank A/c
      IFSC Code: CNRB0003458
      SWIFT Code: CNRBINBBBFD

      Organizing Committee

      Chief Patron Prof. B.S. Murty, Director, IITH
      Patron Prof. Ashok Kumar Pandey, Dean-Academic
      Symposium Chair Prof. Saket Asthana, Chair-Library Committee
      Convener & Organizing Secretary Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal, Chief Library Officer
      Co-Conveners Dr. Mallikarjuna C, Deputy Librarian
      Mr. Siva Kimidi, Assistant Librarian
      Local Organizing Committee All Library Staff
      Publicity & Promotion Committee Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal, Mr. Arshad, Mr. Sriram, Ms. Sayantani
      Sponsorship & Accounts Committee Mr. Siva Kimidi, Mr. Jayanta
      Registration and Hospitality Committee Mr. Jayanta, Mr. Anand
      Travel Support Mr. Gajanand, Ms. Haseena

      Address for Correspondence

      Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal
      Convener & Organizing Secretary – AIDL-2026

      Chief Library Officer, Knowledge Resource Centre (KRC-Library)
      Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy-502284. INDIA.

      E-mail: aidl2026.iith@gmail.com | Phone: +91-40-23016085 (O) | Cell: 9040511891

      Web: https://library.iith.ac.in/events/aidl2026/