Diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in Indian academic libraries

Subaveerapandiyan, A. and Sinha, Priyanka and Kalbande, Dattatraya and Shimray, Somipam R. (2025) Diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility in Indian academic libraries. IFLA JOURNAL-INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONS. ISSN 0340-0352

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Abstract

This study examines how diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility are understood and practiced in Indian academic libraries. A survey of 214 professionals across institutional types shows high conceptual awareness of inclusivity and diversity but lower engagement with equity and accessibility. Only 22.9% report formal diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility training and 35% report active involvement, revealing an awareness-action gap. Factor analysis identifies two strong dimensions shaping outcomes: perceived challenges (limited training, policy voids, staff resistance, weak community engagement) and institutional support (leadership prioritization, resources, funding, feedback mechanisms). The differences by gender, age, and role are minimal; education level relates to perceptual variation. Overall, institutional deficits, rather than individual attitudes, impede implementation. The study recommends mandatory, context-sensitive training, leadership advocacy, policy integration, and systematic user feedback to translate awareness into measurable diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility practice in Indian academic libraries.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: DEIA practices, academic libraries, library professionals, diversity, equity, inclusivity, accessibility
Subjects: Computer Science > Information Science & Library Science
Divisions:
Depositing User: Unnamed user with email techsupport@mosys.org
Last Modified: 06 Feb 2026 07:12
URI: https://ir.vmrfdu.edu.in/id/eprint/6972

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