AIDL 2026 - Accessible and Inclusive Digital Library Symposium - Program Schedule

Banner for the AIDL 2026 symposium on Accessible and Inclusive Digital Library at IIT Hyderabad, featuring themes of assistive technologies, community engagement, and inclusive library design and AIDL logo on the left side and KRC logo on the right side.

Program Schedule (Tentative)

The following tentative program schedule with the list of speakers from India and abroad accepted the invitation and more speakers will be updated soon.

DAY 1: March 6, 2026 (Friday)

Time Activity / Session Details
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
9:00 am – 9:30 am Registration and Distribution of Kit for Conference
Inaugural Ceremony
9:30 am – 10:55 am
  • 9:30 am – 9:35 am: Lighting of the Lamp
  • 9:35 am – 9:40 am: Welcome Address by the Symposium Chair: Prof. Saket Asthana
  • 9:40 am – 9:45 am: Address by the Convener: Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal
  • 9:45 am – 9:50 am: Unveiling of the AIDL Symposium Logo
  • 9:50 am – 10:00 am: Address by the Patron: Prof. Ashok Kumar Pandey
  • 10:00 am – 10:10 am: Address by the Director, IIT Hyderabad: Prof. B.S. Murty
  • 10:10 am – 10:25 am: Address by the Chief Guest: Smt. A. Sridevasena, IAS, Commissioner of Collegiate Education, Govt of Telangana
  • 10:25 am – 10:27 am: Launch of Souvenir (AIDL Book of Abstracts)
  • 10:27 am – 10:30 am: Vote of Thanks: Dr. Mallikarjuna C
  • 10:30 am – 10:35 am: Group Photograph
  • 10:35 am – 10:40 am: Inauguration of Exhibition by Dignitaries
  • 10:40 am – 10:55 am: High Tea & Visit to Exhibition Stalls
Session – 1: Theme - Assistive Tools and Technologies
Time Activity / Session Details Chair / Rapporteur
11:00 am – 11:20 am Invited Talk: Dr. Dipendra Manocha (Director, Developing Countries, DAISY Consortium)
11:20 am – 11:30 am Invited Talk: Prof. Maunendra Desarkar (Associate Professor, IIT Hyderabad)
11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Paper Presentations:

  • Paper 1: Assistive Tools and Technologies for Accessible and Inclusive Digital Libraries by Dr. Y M V Naga Raja Rao
  • Paper 2: Equitable Access to all: AI-Powered Assistive Technologies for Persons with disabilities in Academic Libraries by Arya Asok A.R, Aneesha Jose & Dr. Rekha R V
  • Paper 3: Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive, Accessible, and Sustainable Smart Libraries by Shivani Trivedi...[et al.]
  • Paper 4: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Personalizing Library Services for Divyangjan Users by Mr. Bharathkumar Eellendula
  • Paper 5: Building Inclusive Library Spaces for Divyangjan Users: Materials, Infrastructure, and Assistive Technologies by Boddu Sreeja...[et al.]
  • Paper 7: AI-Enabled Assistive Technologies in Academic Libraries: An Exploratory Study by Sanmati Jinendran Jain, Prashanta Kumar Behera & Tamil Bharathi T K
  • Paper 8:Multimodal AI for Accessibility: Integrating Computer Vision and Speech Technologies in Academic Digital Libraries for Persons with Disabilities by Sanya Jain & Bhartendu Pandey
  • Paper 9:Towards a New Paradigm of Inclusion in Indian Higher Education: A Case Study of Examining the Role of AI-Enabled Assistive Technologies for Students with Visual Impairment by Sheelu Kachhap

Product Demonstration:

  • Bonton Furniture
  • Dsquare Technologies
  • Continual Engine
 Chairman: Dr. Ramesh Dola — Chief Librarian, Siksha O Anusandhan University
Rapporteur: Dr. Jivesh Bansal — PU
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch Break
Session – 2: Panel Discussion
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Panel Members (Tentative):

  • Dr. Dipendra Manocha
  • Dr. Homiyar Mobedji
  • Dr. Mahendra N. Jadhav
  • Ms. Parul Kumtha
  • Mr. Deepak Dwivedi
 Moderator: Dr. Shubha Ranganathan
Session – 3: Theme - Designing Inclusive Library Space & Services (DILS)
3:00 pm – 3:20 pm Invited Talk: Ms. Parul Kumtha (Universal Design Architect)
3:20 pm – 3:40 pm Invited Talk: Ms. T.V Aishwarya (Co-Founder, Grailmaker Innovations, spacefelt.com)
3:40 pm – 4:30 pm

Paper Presentations:

  • Paper 1: Accessibility of law libraries to students with disabilities in India by Madhu K S
  • Paper 2: Building Inclusive Knowledge Spaces: A Study on Assistive Technologies and Accessibility Practices at Ashoka University with a Comparative Analysis of Selected Government and Private Institutions. by A. Muthuraj, Shukal Kumar & Dr. Shantanu Ganguly
  • Paper 3: Institutional Accessibility and Facilities for Physically Disabled Users: A study based on selected libraries of Odisha by Sangram Keshari Rout...[et al.]
  • Paper 4: Culturally Responsive Accessibility: Designing Digital Library Interfaces for Divyangjan Learners in Indian HEI by Dr. Shambhavi Kumari
  • Paper 5: Aligning Inclusive Library Services for Disabled Users in the Academic Environment by Dr Satyajaya Satapathi & T. Koteswara Rao
  • Paper 6: Designing Inclusive Library Spaces and Services for Visually Impaired Users: A Universal Design Approach by Ar. Vivek Jain & Prof. Saptarshi Kolay
  • Paper 7: Inclusion In the Library: A Case Study of Accessibility in The Technical Institutions of Odisha by Prangya Das
  • Paper 8: A Modern Approach to Inclusive Education Resource Services at IIT Madras by Saradhambal V.
  • Paper 9: Evaluating inclusive design of digital and physical library spaces in Zimbabwean universities by Lazarus Matizirofa & Collence Chisita
  • Paper 10:Napping in the Library: Redefining the Academic Library as a Space for Wellbeing by Temin Thomas, Rajkumar Thangavel & Elina E
  • Paper 11: Inclusive Library Services for Deaf Patrons: Role, Challenges, and Opportunities of Assistive Technologies by Dr Nandeesha B, Dr. Laxmibai S Kattimani & Dr. Umesh M L
  • Paper 12:Repositioning Libraries as Psychosocial Support Systems: A Bibliotherapy Intervention for Parents of Children Affected with Autism by Tintu Jose & Dr. Mercy Lydia D
  • Paper 13:Designing Accessible Study Spaces: Assistive Tools and an Inclusive Implementation Framework by Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal
  • Paper 14:Computationally Optimized Vision-Adaptive Digital Library Interfaces: An Engineering-Driven Framework for Real-Time Computer Vision Syndrome Mitigation through Assistive Imaging, Display Parameter Modeling, and Ocular Health Analytics by Dr. K R N Aswini

Product Demonstration:

  • Royal Society of Chemistry
  • Sage
  • KGL Accucoms
 Chairman:Dr. Pit Pichappan
Rapporteur: Mr. Sanmati Jinendran Jain, NIT Trichy
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Tea Break —
Session – 4: Theme - Community Engagement & Collaboration
4:45 pm – 5:05 pm Invited Talk: Dr. Anupma Harshal W. (STEM Mentor, ASHOKA University (LGP))
5:05 pm – 6:00 pm

Paper Presentations:

  • Paper 1: Building Inclusive Knowledge Ecosystems: A Collaborative Model between Academic Libraries, Public Libraries, and Disability-focused NGOs in Bangladesh by Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman
  • Paper 2: Enhancing Library Discovery Services for Divyangajan Users: An Analysis of Current Gaps and Future Directions byRam Reddy Mamidi
  • Paper 3: Igniting Divyangajan Community Empowerment Through Library Services and Technology Synergy Presenter: Dr. Lingaiah Vuppala & Prof A. Suryanaryana
  • Paper 4: Enabling Digital Learning for Dyslexic Individuals Using Web3.0 Technologies: A Systematic Review and Structural Analysis by Mahak Singh & Nitasha Hasteer
  • Paper 5: Enhancing Collaborative Accessibility Practices and Community Engagement to Strengthen Inclusive Academic Libraries by Shaveta Saini
  • Paper 6: Library Facilities for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) Students in Higher Education Institutions by Baiju Joy & Dr. S Raja
  • Paper 7: Fostering Inclusive Information Literacy in the Posthuman Classroom: Borrowing Epistemic Cues from Spanish Digital Storytelling and Indian Knowledge System by Dr. Kshema Prakash & Dr. Aparna Nor
  • Paper 8: Darshini Programme: Grama Panchayat–Led Evolution of Inclusive and Accessible Rural Library Spaces in Karnataka by Dr. Pramod M. Chandakavate & Shri. Prashanth MN
  • Paper 9: Partnership between Academic libraries, public libraries and NGO’s InclusionbyMr. Mogili Saikumar, Mr. Gajula Vinod Kumar & Dr. Madala Chandrashekhar Goud
  • Paper 10: Reading for leisure: A Case Study approach to making non-academic books accessible for Persons with Visual Impairment byMr. Utkarsh Bedekar & Mr. Sandesh Bhingarde

Product Demonstration:

  • Chemical Abstracts Society
  • Institute of Physics
 Chairman: Dr. Kishor Chandra Satpathy
Rapporteur: Shri Ramesh Chandra Gupta, CSIR - Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Cultural Program —
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Library Tour —
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Dinner

DAY 2: March 7, 2026 (Saturday)

Time Activity / Session Details Presenter / Chair
8:00 am – 9:00 am Breakfast
Session – 5: Theme - Accessible Media & Digital Library Platforms
9:00 am – 9:20 am Invited Talk: Dr. Homiyar Mobedji (Director of Programmes for Benetech)
9:20 am – 9:40 am Invited Talk: Dr. Pit Pichappan (Senior Scientist / Professor, Digital Information Research Labs)
9:40 am – 10:45 am

Paper Presentations (10 Minutes each):

  • Paper 1: Braille to Bytes: Designing an Integrated Assistive Technology Ecosystem for Inclusive Academic Libraries by Poulomi Poddar, Arshad Abdul, Aishee Roy & Ankita Ghosh
  • Paper 2: Integrating Assistive Technologies into Institutional Repositories: A User-Centric Approach for PwD by K. Sunitha
  • Paper 3: AI-based Voice-Activated Mobile Application for People with Visual Impairment by Dr. Shruti Pandey...[et al.]
  • Paper 4:From Compliance to Access: Implementing WCAG Tools in Making Websites Readable for All by Arshad Abdul & Dr. Bhojaraju Gunjal
  • Paper 5: A Bibliometric Analysis of Assistive Robotics: Publication Trends, Influential Contributors, and Research Themes by Aman Sahu, Yogesh Kumar Kori & Nikita Kour
  • Paper 6: A step forward in Inclusive Digital Library System: Rule-Based Translation from English Text to Indian Sign Language by Sandipa Roy...[et al.]

Product Demonstration:

  • Cambridge University Press
  • Total Library Solutions
 Chairman: Dr. Sree Kumar Nair, Senior Librarian CHRIST (Deemed to be University)
Rapporteur: Dr. Shruti Pandey, Assistant Professor (Special Education – Visual Impairment), Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
10:45 am – 11:00 am Tea Break
Session – 6: Theme - Policy, Legal Compliance & Institutional Governance (PLIG)
11:00 am – 11:20 am Invited Talk: Prof. Hemachandran Karah (Associate Professor, IIT Madras)
11:20 am – 1:00 pm

Paper Presentations:

  • Paper 1: Advancing Accessible and Inclusive Digital Libraries in South Asia: Policies, Practices, and Pathways for Bangladesh by Dr. Md. Zillur Rahman
  • Paper 2: Institutionalizing Accessibility Governance in Academic Libraries: Global and Indian Perspectives by Anupam Laxman Kale
  • Paper 3: Empowering Inclusion: From Personal Advocacy to Organizational Transformation under the RPwD Act, 2016 by Aditya Tiwari
  • Paper 4: Designing and Evaluating Inclusive Library Spaces, Services, and Technologies for Divyangjan Users: Challenges, Best Practices, and Policy Perspectives by Dr. Champeswar Mishra
  • Paper 5: Regulatory Misalignments Undermining Disability Rights: UGC Guidelines vs RPwD Act in Indian Academic Libraries by Gursharan Singh
  • Paper 6:From Accessibility Compliance to Inclusion Governance: An Outcome-Oriented AI Framework for Academic Libraries by Deepak Dwivedi & Nandan Gijare
  • Paper 7:Knowledge curation: A Policy Framework for Inclusive, Multimodal, and Disability-Responsive archival ethics by Dr.Hemachandran Karah, Dr.J.Karthika N & Ms.Smitha Sadasivan
  • Paper 8:Implication of Copyright on Access to Electronic and Print Information Resources by People with Visual Impairments in Libraries in India by Ms. Ankita Sinha, & Dr. Kishor Chandra Satpathy

Product Demonstration (10 Minutes each):

  • Cactus Global
  • Taylor and Francis
 Chairman:Dr. Jayanta Tripaty - IIM Ranchi
Rapporteur:Dr.Prangya Das, Sr.Librarian & Head, SOA - Institute of Technical Education & Research (ITER)
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Lunch Break
Miscellaneous Theme
2:00 pm – 4:15 pm
  • Best Presentation Award
  • Prize Distribution

Product Demonstration:

  • iGroup
  • Treste Labs - Kibo
  • Drillbit
 Rapporteur: Dr. Prasant Kumar Behera, Deputy Librarian, IIT Tirupati
4:15 pm – 4:30 pm Tea Break —
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm Rapporteur General Dr. Kshema Prakash
4:45 pm – 5:30 pm Valedictory Session
5:30 pm Certificate Distribution