Ground realities of libraries in India: Challenges, gaps and emerging directions

Libraries in India sit at the heart of the country’s educational, informational, cultural and community life, but theircontinued growth tells a complex story of policy promises that havenot always caught up with everyday reality. This review pulls together existing research on library buildings and facilities, funding, staffing, collections, digital access, technology adoption, user services, and the broader institutional and community roles libraries play today. The major concern is thepersistent unevenness of this development: well-funded academic and research libraries stand in sharp contrast to those still struggling with basic infrastructure, finances, technology and staff shortages, depending on geographical reasons, institution type and socio-economic context across India. The paper also looks at how digital tools, automation, open-access resources, AI and shift of user expectations are fundamentallychanging what libraries do, and the new problems this creates around digital inequality, skills gaps, accessibility and long-term sustainability challenges. Importantly, technological change is not treated here as proof of progress on its own; instead, the review asks whether these innovations actually meet the real needs of users and institutions, or simply appear to look like progressmore contemporary. It points to clear gaps in research, policy, implementation and service they provide, and makes the case for a more context-sensitive approach to library development going forwardacross India. The paper ends by outlining priorities for equitable access, resilient infrastructure, professional building facilities, inclusive facilities, sustainability, and stronger close integration of libraries with education and community development.