Digital Inequality and Pathways to Inclusive Development: The context of library services and AI in India
Author(s): Shiva Kanaujia Sukula, Iranna M. Shettar, Suresh Balutagi, Joseph M. Yap & Mahesh Chand
Abstract: The present study is based on a narrative review examining the digital divide, digital inequality and inclusive development where libraries can play roles, especially in the Indian context. Data were collected from Google Scholar platform with a specific phrase to maintain focus as well as a limited dataset in March 2026. The final dataset resulted in 71 studies focusing specifically on the targeted experiences shared in the most recent literature since 2025. The literature has shown major trends in the context of digital inequality and accessibility issues through AI-driven library services in India. Google scholar platform served as a provider of multidisciplinary sources for comprehensive results. It is found that the significance of libraries with the touch of AI is increasing where libraries are capable of bridging the digital divide by providing meaningful access points to reduce digital inequality, especially in remote areas and marginalised groups in India along with the augmentation in digital and AI literacy.
Keywords - digital transformation, India, digital divide, inclusive development, artificial intelligence, library services.
DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.26761/ijrls.12.2.2026.2088
Cite This Article As: Sukula, S.K., Shettar, I.M. , Balutagi, S., Yap, J.M. & Chand, M. (2026) Digital Inequality and Pathways to Inclusive Development: The context of library services and AI in India. International Journal of Research in Library Science (IJRLS), 12(2) 48-60. www.ijrls.in
Copyright © 2026 Author(s) retains the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.
Paper ID: IJRLS-2088 Page: 48-60 Publication Date: 28 April 2026