Libraries as Spaces for Inclusive Communities: A Literature Review

2.1 Search criteria

The search covered the years 2014-2024. This decade was chosen for the review because it is when inclusion began to infiltrate communal settings more strongly, shifting from legal or theoretical methods to practical applications relevant to modern society. “But it is no longer enough to adapt to this new digital landscape; it is now essential to make a shift both conceptually and in practice”⁷ (p. 105). It also looked at how, throughout this period, libraries played a role in community inclusion, becoming what some authors referred to as “social capital partners”⁷ (p. 103).

The inquiry was performed utilizing the SCOPUS database. This database was chosen due to its status as one of the most comprehensive sources, recognized for the accuracy and dependability of its data.⁸ The review encompassed articles written in both Spanish and English, while excluding books, book chapters, conference papers, and meta-analyses.

The study concentrated on libraries broadly, and upon reviewing the articles, after excluding those based on language and document type, 200 articles pertinent to the guiding issue were first identified; however, on June 3, 2025, only 198 papers remained without any further exclusions applied.

2.2 Source identification

The research was executed in compliance with the PRISMA statement (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). A database search was conducted utilizing the following concatenated keywords: Library AND Inclusive Communities AND Initiative, to encompass all relevant facets of this review issue and enable the incorporation of diverse studies.

The following search equation was entered into the database SCOPUS: (TITLE-ABS-KEY (“library” OR “libraries”) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (“inclusive communities” OR “social inclusion” OR “diverse communities” OR “access to information” OR “community engagement”) AND TITLE-ABS-KEY (“program*” OR “initiative*” OR “strategy” OR “services” OR “education”)) AND PUBYEAR > 2013 AND PUBYEAR < 2025 AND PUBYEAR > 2013 AND PUBYEAR < 2025 AND (LIMIT-TO (SUBJAREA,“ARTS”) OR LIMIT-TO (SUBJAREA,“DECI”) OR LIMIT-TO (SUBJAREA,“SOCI”) OR LIMIT-TO (SUBJAREA,“PSYC”)) AND (LIMIT-TO (DOCTYPE,“ar”)) AND (LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Libraries”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Library”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Academic Libraries”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Library Services”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Accessibility”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Inclusion”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Sustainable Development Goals”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Community Development”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Community-Institutional Relations”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Rural Libraries”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Libraries, Digital”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Library Associations”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Equity”) OR LIMIT-TO (EXACTKEYWORD,“Academic Library”)) AND (LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE,“English”) OR LIMIT-TO (LANGUAGE,“Spanish”). The suggested inclusion criteria included publication dates between 2014 and 2024, English or Spanish language, and only finished works from the following theme areas: Social Science, Arts and Humanities, Decision Sciences, and Psychology. Libraries, accessibility, inclusion, community development, equity, rural libraries, and digital libraries were some of the keywords used.

2.3 Data extraction and analysis

The preliminary search produced 2,120 items. Subsequent to the initial search, exclusion criteria were defined: title, absence of open access, and insufficient relevance to the research during the abstract evaluation, yielding 198 articles.

Following the elimination of texts that failed to satisfy the inclusion criteria, a total of 69 articles were incorporated into the qualitative analysis. The content analysis included initial reading, coding, delineation of emerging categories, and ultimately, the description and systematization of the data (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Detailed diagram of information source identification. Source: PRISMA (2020) flow diagram.

Prepared by the authors.

Each article was thoroughly reviewed in its entirety, and recurring patterns were identified through open coding. The preliminary stage of categorization was employed to develop analytical categories and subcategories. This classification facilitated a chronological and thematic analysis to discern patterns, overlaps, and deficiencies. Given the descriptive nature of the review, a formal assessment of risk of bias or methodological quality (e.g., utilizing CASP, AMSTAR, or ROBIS) was not conducted. Therefore, the conclusions derived from the findings should be understood within the scope of the analysis, without relying on categorical generalizations.

The results were systematically categorized thematically and displayed with graphs and heat maps generated using Visme.net and data aggregated in Excel, facilitating the illustration of temporal and geographical trends. All quantitative meta-analyses were eliminated, and aggregate measures of effect and heterogeneity were not calculated, as they beyond the descriptive scope of the study. Publication bias was not addressed; nevertheless, its potential influence is recognized in the limits section. This technique provides a critical qualitative synthesis that amalgamates diverse data, facilitating a greater comprehension of prevalent themes related to inclusion in libraries.

3.1 Geographic distribution

Figure 3 illustrates a heat map depicting the quantity of papers published by country. The research analyzed were not omitted based on nation but were filtered by language, including only articles in English and Spanish. The research indicates that the scholarly emphasis on libraries’ role in promoting social inclusion is predominantly situated in the United States (87), South Africa (19), Nigeria (16), India (9), Canada (9), and Australia (9), collectively representing 75% of the published papers. Countries including Spain (7), the United Kingdom (6), Jordan (4), Indonesia (3), Iran (3), Malaysia (3), Pakistan (3), China (2), Bangladesh (2), Brazil (2), Colombia (2), Ghana (2), the Philippines (2), Uganda (2), Zimbabwe (2), Argentina (1), Belgium (1), Costa Rica (1), and Ecuador (1) have made substantial contributions to this area of research. The heat map indicates that the Americas are the continent with the highest concentration of research on this issue, comprising 52% of the papers. This data indicates a distinct trend in research within the United States, South Africa, and Nigeria, suggesting that these nations are at the forefront in examining libraries as venues for fostering social inclusion. Nonetheless, it is evident that investigations on this research issue are conducted on every continent, signifying a worldwide interest in this field of study.

Figure 3. Heatmap of the inquiries.

Source: Original composition by the authors.

3.2 Perspectives on library-based inclusive communities

According to the review, twenty articles, accounting for 20% of the total of 69 analyzed, focus on inclusive communities within libraries. The authors define an inclusive community as one that ensures equitable access to social, educational, and cultural resources, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, socioeconomic status, or cultural background. Such communities promote active participation and social integration, particularly for groups vulnerable to social exclusion, including older adults, unemployed individuals, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.^9–13 Similarly, the authors observe that libraries have transformed from merely being repositories of books to becoming accessible venues that foster community development.^5,14,15

Jaramillo¹⁶ illustrates that public libraries serve a significant function in Colombia’s post-war period, as they are regarded as optimal environments for fostering social inclusion, particularly for individuals affected by the Colombian armed conflict. Libraries facilitate peacebuilding in crisis zones and reinforce the social cohesion among adjacent communities. The author perceives the library as a secure environment for debate and reconciliation among individuals affected by the Colombian conflict. Individuals engaged in the armed war are presently stigmatized, and the communities that directly experienced the battle frequently harbor a negative perception of individuals involved due to the losses they sustained. Consequently, libraries facilitate peacebuilding by addressing stigma, fear, and disparities.^4,16

Furthermore, 5 of the 69 publications, or 7.25%, addressed inclusion from a wide range of perspectives, including digital inclusion and bridging the digital gap in disadvantaged communities.^17–19 It was also discovered that researchers addressed topics related to community participation through public library strategies and activities, and how these activities can empower the community and foster community cohesion, as well as showcase the full range of library services beyond simply storing books.^20–22

Kerr and Hopkins²³ emphasize that discussions of social inclusion in relation to libraries should be understood in the broadest sense, encompassing all types of communities that have experienced marginalization or exclusion by society at various times. This encompasses individuals with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, those residing in excluded or marginalized regions, the LGBTQ+ community, individuals of diverse races, cultures, and religions, the indigenous population, immigrants, and those facing economic challenges.¹² Prihatin et. al.⁵ propose a perspective that emphasizes the necessity of social inclusion to acknowledge and appreciate the diversity of its members, aiming to create opportunities for skill enhancement and improved life choices, thereby enabling individuals to realize their aspirations. Libraries, whether public or private, serve as essential institutions that provide access to information and knowledge, making them suitable environments for typically marginalized communities to seek improvement and find safety.^20,23–26

Some articles highlight the need to acknowledge that libraries have evolved beyond mere repositories for books and study materials. It is essential to understand that libraries play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion, as they facilitate social and political change. Libraries consistently strive to enhance access to knowledge and mitigate biases against vulnerable communities.^4,16,27–30

3.3 Infrastructure and accessibility for inclusive communities inside libraries

Regarding infrastructure and accessibility, ten articles (14.49%) of the total sixty-nine articles examined this subject. Given that various authors within the articles, such as Phukubje and Ngoepe³¹ and Alcívar et al.,⁴ emphasize the significance of spaces designed in accordance with user requirements, it is deemed essential to address this matter. Infrastructure must be tailored to meet the requirements of library users, particularly those with physical disabilities, such as individuals who use wheelchairs. Libraries are required to have staircases to ensure accessibility, and books as well as other materials must be positioned at a height accessible to all users, including young children.^4,31,32

Accessibility encompasses not only the means of accessing library facilities but also the availability of activities, service routes, and digital services to all individuals.^11,17,18 Libraries ought to evaluate their structural design, as many do not provide easily accessible routes for diverse users, which obstructs entry and limits awareness of available services and activities.^4,33,34 In this context, training for library staff is crucial to ensure optimal service delivery to individuals with disabilities.³¹ Consequently, the literature identifies these two barriers as the primary obstacles to achieving effective inclusion in libraries.^30,33

Pomputius¹⁸ and Lorbeer¹⁹ assert that in discussions of infrastructure and accessibility, libraries must establish accessible digital frameworks for individuals with visual impairments. This necessitates the implementation of specialized digital tools to facilitate access to online library services, including Braille books and audiobooks, ensuring equitable access to knowledge for visually impaired individuals.^22,24,35,36 Infrastructure and accessibility for those with hearing disabilities must be considered to ensure their full enjoyment of all library services. Consequently, it is imperative for personnel (librarians, managers, directors, etc.) to communicate proficiently with users, providing information and services to the community via sign language videos or assistive technologies.^{3,27,32,35,36}

Moreover, it is imperative to note that technological accessibility must extend to users in rural areas, where the library may serve as the sole venue for free internet access. Similarly, libraries, in their role of promoting social inclusion, assist in mitigating the digital divide in rural or remote regions, as the absence of reliable and cost-effective broadband exacerbates inequality in this domain, particularly when access to certain library services is increasingly incorporated into the library’s website.^{15,25,37–40}

In the current era, considering the trend observed within the articles—where six articles (8.7%) address this topic and reflect the authors’ perspectives—it is not sufficient to evaluate the infrastructure and accessibility of a location solely based on the perceptions of frequent users who physically utilize the library space and the librarians. It is also essential to incorporate the perceptions of social media users, who, despite not being physically present, can assess accessibility in terms of structural features. Accessibility is now assessed based on public perception among internet users, taking into account the physical environment, connectivity within social networks to engage the community with the library’s structure, and the digital reputation as reflected in user reviews online. These indicators are employed to evaluate the perceived accessibility from the users’ perspective.^{10,7,37,41–46}

Civallero⁴⁷ asserts that accessibility and infrastructure encompass not just physical environments for individuals with disabilities but also symbolic spaces and cultural inclusion, which are vital for attaining comprehensive accessibility for all users. This encompasses indigenous groups with unique traditions and symbols that should be integrated into libraries for comprehensive accessibility; likewise, certain religions have practices that must be acknowledged and honored. Consequently, it is imperative that libraries refrain from enforcing cultural norms and instead evolve into venues for cultural exchange and collaboration, accommodating the diverse customs and traditions of library patrons.^23,48–52 Moreover, accessibility is predicated on variety, multiplicity, inclusion, and equality. Libraries aim to further these principles along with social inclusion, as they are regarded as institutions of social justice. Libraries aim to rectify discrepancies in service access experienced by specific communities, striving to eliminate disparities among these populations.^25,42,50

3.4 Libraries’ community engagement

Twenty-five articles address community engagement, constituting 36.23% of the overall articles. Bangani et al.¹⁴ assert that library participation constitutes the initial step toward attaining social inclusion. By dedicating themselves to their community, libraries will consistently endeavor to guarantee that all users feel included and that their services remain pertinent and accessible to all.^{3,16,21,23,42,48,49}

To accomplish this, libraries must utilize co-creation spaces with their communities to ascertain their genuine needs. Blackburn⁵³ indicates in his case study that authentic collaboration between indigenous and aboriginal communities and public libraries in the Torres Strait successfully transcended cultural, social, and structural barriers, thereby enabling co-creation spaces to assist libraries in developing services tailored to the requirements of the island’s indigenous and aboriginal community. Similarly, community engagement fosters the professional growth of librarians by imparting essential insights regarding the community’s needs and interests as users.^{4,5,7,9,47,48,52,54}

The obligations of each library differ based on its specific setting. Each library possesses its unique setting and challenges, as indicated by the research findings presented in the articles. The community engagement of an academic library contrasts with that of a rural library. An academic library should prioritize specialized content pertinent to its academic discipline, and its services should be designed to assist students with their scholarly inquiries. Rural libraries must encompass a diverse array of content, ranging from children’s resources to materials for senior citizens, while prioritizing access to various information and community engagement initiatives for their patrons.^7,14,20

For example, the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine Medical Library implemented the “Integrate-Partner-Create” method. This technique enabled a flexible and sustainable distribution of labor and resources. Partnerships with other institutions also helped to ensure that this strategy was successfully implemented. Public health programs, continuing medical education, and community medical literacy are all vital activities. This technique was conceived and developed to be applied by a variety of libraries.⁵⁵ Another example of the authors’ proposed tactics for demonstrating community support to libraries is what happened in South and Central Appalachian libraries. The libraries established a community garden in their towns, as well as a seed library and agricultural education programs. This technique improved community cohesion and food security, demonstrating the community’s dedication to its development and well-being.^{3,10,28,48,56}

Community engagement involves numerous things, the most important of which is community education in order for the library to remain committed to its patrons. In this situation, a research by Bangani²¹ discusses how libraries promote inclusion and eliminate socioeconomic disparities through education. Furthermore, libraries promote and participate in initiatives such as donating books, clothing, and school shoes to local children, delivering digital workshops, and assisting rural schools near the library. This highlights how libraries can be valuable allies in supporting and promoting community and social education in their areas. Libraries demonstrate social responsibility by supporting their communities in various ways.^{9,16,20,27,55,57,58}

Ultimately, it is essential to examine the authors’ perspective on the role of libraries in facilitating transparent and accurate access to information, as eight of the analyzed publications focus on this subject, constituting 11.59% of the total articles assessed. These articles pertain to the political and democratic dimensions that pervade the communal context. Various articles examine these challenges across time and their impact on the community, enabling libraries to serve as catalysts for civic development, fostering citizen engagement and community empowerment. This illustrates libraries’ dedication to their community by offering quality and dependable information, enabling individuals to comprehend the present political scene. They aim to foster an informed and engaged society within the political sphere, enabling residents to comprehend the impact and advantages of governmental actions.^27,50 Moreover, the writers emphasize the importance of libraries in maintaining relevance through their proactive engagement with their communities. Libraries endeavor to integrate adolescents with various community groups to foster social inclusion, demonstrating creativity and resourcefulness in assisting their communities through unconventional techniques, such as haunted homes and pottery painting, despite limited resources. Relocating libraries to unconventional venues exemplifies the dedication and engagement of librarians towards their community.^21,27,48,59

3.5 Bridges for institutional collaboration and transformation

Thirteen of the examined articles address this subject, constituting 18.84% of the total 69 articles. Sánchez-García and Yubero⁹ elucidate that for libraries to effectively foster social inclusion and support their users, they require allies to enhance their influence and demonstrate their advancements and strategies to the world. Collaborations with other institutions are essential for libraries to extend their reach to marginalized communities and address complex issues such as inequality, digital exclusion, and education. Increased collaboration facilitates the identification of solutions and strategies to tackle these challenges. Furthermore, libraries are increasingly recognized as hubs of social capital that effectively connect resources and individuals.^{7,14,16,21,45,60}

Moreover, numerous studies across all disciplines indicate that libraries must collaborate with multiple institutions, departments, and organizational units, including medical libraries, hospitals, and directly with physicians or health associations, to have influence. This is executed to enhance public health in communities with the assistance of physicians.^44,55 The objective is to enhance awareness of cancer throughout the community, including detection methods and initial procedures to take upon suspicion. Ultimately, it was determined that the early detection rate improved in locations where these collaborative institutional seminars were conducted. This example illustrates that libraries, via institutional partnership, effectuate beneficial transformations in communities, specifically highlighting the improvements in community health resulting from the conducted workshops. It further reinforces the notion that libraries possess a multifaceted role that extends far beyond merely housing books and facilitating access to knowledge for the community. Libraries serve a social function that promotes community development and cultivates inclusive environments that mitigate social disparities.^{14,21,23,44,56,58}

McDowell⁶¹ contends that in discussions of collaboration, it is insufficient to concentrate solely on organizations; the role of librarians and their approaches to interorganizational collaborations are equally vital. Additionally, four of the articles examined pertain to this subject, accounting for 5.8% of the total articles. Collaboration is an essential competency in the professional environment, particularly for librarians, and it is vital that they develop this skill. It is essential for librarians to develop the ability to collaborate with various organizations and operate in environments outside the library in order to effectively engage with the community. Librarians must extend their efforts beyond the confines of the library and engage in collaborations with a variety of organizations to broaden their community service network and create a meaningful impact. Similarly, it is essential to recognize that libraries possess the full capacity to serve as catalysts for social change and can achieve this role when their librarians are adequately trained and dedicated to fostering sustainable alliances that promote social inclusion.^{23,27,34,40,47,60–62}

Numerous studies have demonstrated that inter-institutional collaboration includes partnerships with community organizations adjacent to libraries. When libraries collaborate with community organizations, they prioritize the genuine needs of the community and strive to identify effective solutions. A study by Mehra et al.²⁴ in the South and Central Appalachian region indicates that community organizations and libraries collaborated to address the technological divide in these regions. The groups and libraries collaborated to establish school literacy initiatives, online learning platforms, and digital tools to engage individuals at risk of exclusion. There is also discussion over the customization of technology to align with community requirements and socioeconomic demands. This continuous collaboration illustrates that libraries cannot operate in isolation from other entities, and without such partnerships, numerous projects and strategies would remain unimplemented.^53,63,64