The Role of Digital Transformation in Public Library Services for People with Physical and Cognitive Disabilities

Zahra Moazzami¹ Zahra Abazari² Rahman Sharifzadeh³ Fahimeh Babalhavaeji⁴ Nadjla Hariri⁵

1) PhD Candidate, Department of Knowledge and Information Science; Islamic Azad University; Tehran North Branch; Tehran, Iran.
2) Professor; Department of Knowledge and Information Science; Islamic Azad University; Tehran North Branch; Tehran, Iran (Corresponding Author),
3) Assistant Professor; Information and Society Research Department; Iranian Research Institute for Information Science and Technology (IranDoc); Tehran, Iran Email:
4) Associate Professor; Department of Communication and Information Science; Islamic Azad University; Science and Research Branch; Tehran, Iran Email:
5) ; Professor; Department of Communication and Information Science; Islamic Azad University; Science and Research Branch; Tehran, Iran Email:

IOI Code : AAHD-AAHDKE
Publication : National Conference on Information Technology, Nanotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Technological Futures Studies(itnaf.ir)
Abstract :
    Digital transformation in recent decades has redefined the concept of public library services, shifting from resource provision toward interactive and intelligent experiences. This transformation, particularly through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), has created new opportunities for people with physical and cognitive disabilities to participate equally in the information society. This study employs a narrative review approach based on documentary analysis to examine how emerging technologies—especially AI—have reshaped public library services for users with special needs. The research corpus includes peer-reviewed studies published in reputable domestic and international journals between 2021 and 2025 (1399–1404 SH). Findings indicate that public libraries worldwide are transitioning from merely offering “physically accessible services” toward developing Cognitive Accessible Libraries, where accessibility is enhanced through machine vision, natural language processing (NLP), large language models (LLMs) for text simplification, and generative AI (GenAI) for multimodal and sensory content creation. These technologies improve information independence, enable personalized user experiences, and foster equality in information access. In contrast, Iranian studies reveal that most public libraries remain focused on physical accessibility, user needs assessment, and staff training, with limited adoption of intelligent technologies. The observed gap underscores the need for technological policymaking, AI literacy development among librarians, and the formulation of localized ethical frameworks. Overall, the study concludes that the future success of public libraries depends on harmonizing transformative technologies with human-centered values—where technology serves not as a substitute for humans but as a cognitive enabler advancing informational and social justice.

Keywords : digital transformation public libraries artificial intelligence people with physical and cognitive disabilities library services for the disabled