In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards digitization within libraries worldwide, driven by advancements in technology and the increasing demand for online access to information.This transition has led to the proliferation of digital resources, including ebooks, databases, and multimedia materials, which offer numerous benefits such as enhanced accessibility, scalability, and preservation of cultural heritage (Bawden Maness, 2006).However, alongside these advancements, there arises a critical challenge: ensuring equal access to digital content for all individuals, including those with disabilities.The concept of digital accessibility has gained prominence as societies strive for inclusivity and diversity in the digital age.Divyangjan, or persons with disabilities, represent a significant portion of the population who may face barriers in accessing digital information due to various impairments such as visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive disabilities (United Nations, 2006).As libraries increasingly embrace digital platforms to disseminate knowledge and facilitate learning, it becomes imperative to address the accessibility needs of diverse user groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of information access and literacy (Jaeger UK Parliament, 2018).In response to these challenges, there have been notable developments and initiatives aimed at promoting accessibility in the digital realm.For instance, international organizations like the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) have developed guidelines such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), which provide standards and best practices for creating accessible web content (World Wide Web Consortium, 2018).Additionally, governments and regulatory bodies around the world have enacted laws and policies to promote digital accessibility and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, including provisions for accessible ICT procurement and the provision of reasonable accommodations (European Commission, 2016; United States Access Board, n.d.).These efforts underscore the growing recognition of digital accessibility as a fundamental human right and a prerequisite for full participation in society. Background and Context:In recent years, there has been a significant transformation in the landscape of libraries worldwide, characterized by a rapid shift towards digital resources and online platforms.This transition has been driven by various factors, including advancements in technology, changing user preferences, and the increasing availability of digital content.Libraries are increasingly digitizing their collections, offering e-books, electronic journals, databases, and multimedia resources to meet the evolving needs of their patrons (Bawden & Robinson, 2012).As libraries embrace the digital era, it becomes crucial to ensure that these resources are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities.Accessibility refers to the design of products, services, and environments that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, without discrimination.In the context of digital libraries, accessibility encompasses various aspects such as web design, content presentation, navigation, and interact ion.The goal is to remove barriers and provide equal access to information and resources for everyone, regardless of their abilities (Jaeger & Bowman, 2005).Divyangjan, or persons with disabilities, represent a significant portion of the population whose access to information may be hindered by various barriers in digital environments.These barriers could include inaccessible website designs, lack of alternative formats for content, or incompatible assistive technologies.Ensuring equal access to digital library resources for Divyangjan is not only a matter of social justice but also a legal and ethical imperative.Access to information is essential for education, employment, social inclusion,
Jadav et al. (Tue,) studied this question.