Libraries are buildings presenting unique challenges when integrating different types of spaces under a single roof, like quiet reading spaces, central lobbies, book staging areas, archival rooms, discussion zones, seminar rooms, e-resources labs, etc. These spaces require specialized norms related to construction and involve varied daylighting requirements, anthropometric needs, indoor air environment requirements, and other specific functional needs. Moreover, libraries must follow various requirements mentioned in relevant IS codes, fire safety norms, the National Building Code, etc. Recent advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability codes, like the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC), and their likely change in implementation from voluntary to mandatory for university library buildings have made library construction a complex interdisciplinary exercise requiring collective efforts between architects, energy consultants, and civil and mechanical engineers. Given this complexity, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will likely grow to fulfill mandatory requirements of the codes and standards mentioned above. AI can be effectively used in the generation of appropriate architectural plans, code compliance, and energy modeling. Its integration with IoT would be handy in achieving inclusive design standards (architecture for differently-abled people) and universal design standards. Moreover, Machine Learning (ML), a subset of AI, can be used for user-behavior forecasting, post-occupancy learning, and creating data-driven planning. This paper forecasts the prospects and presents a comprehensive study of the integration of AI and IoT, stressing the creation of inclusive buildings that support neurodiverse users with cognitive disabilities.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, code compliance, inclusive design, Internet of Things, universal accessibility

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1.       Rathod MSG. The rise of smart libraries: Integrating IoT, cloud services, and AI for next-gen learning spaces. Int J Res Libr Sci. 2025;11(2):211–226. doi: 10.26761/IJRLS.11.2.2025.1883.

2.       Deb Roy A. Inclusive public library [Bachelor of Architecture thesis]. Chennai: Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Architecture, School of Building and Environment; 2021.

3.       Wong HL. Architecture without barriers: Designing inclusive environments accessible to all [dissertation]. Toronto: Toronto Metropolitan University; 2014.

4.       Chauhan SPS. Enhancing accessibility in special libraries: A study on AI-powered assistive technologies for patrons with disabilities. arXiv [Preprint]. 2024; arXiv:2411.06970.

5.       Srivastava A, Shrivastava A. Empathy with barrier-free design for inclusive architecture. Int J Res Anal Rev. 2023;10(1):512–8.

6.       Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Cases of blindness. New Delhi: Government of India; 2014 Jul 25.

7.       Begg RT. Disabled libraries: An examination of physical and attitudinal barriers to handicapped library users. Law Libr J. 1979;72:513.

8.       Nishad R, Sharma M, Lonkar R, Meshram U, Dubey A. Artificial intelligence in libraries: Transforming the library system. Int J Res Publ Rev. 2025 Feb;6(2):2003–6.

9.       Moss CA Jr. Planning barrier-free libraries: A guide for renovation and construction of libraries serving blind and physically handicapped readers. Washington (DC): National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; 1981.

10.   Sharma S, Sharma U, Gupta S. Green library buildings: A study on national and international rating systems. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Re-engineering of Libraries in the Context of Emerging Technologies: Myth or Reality; 68th Annual Conference of Indian Library Association; 2023 Jan; Ajmer, India.

11.   Sharma S, Kumar A, Kumar N, Gupta S. Developing a net zero energy building: A case study of an institutional library. SSRN Electron J. 2018. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3198651.

Libraries are buildings presenting unique challenges when integrating different types of spaces under a single roof, like quiet reading spaces, central lobbies, book staging areas, archival rooms, discussion zones, seminar rooms, e-resources labs, etc. These spaces require specialized norms related to construction and involve varied daylighting requirements, anthropometric needs, indoor air environment requirements, and other specific functional needs. Moreover, libraries must follow various requirements mentioned in relevant IS codes, fire safety norms, the National Building Code, etc. Recent advancements in energy efficiency and sustainability codes, like the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC), and their likely change in implementation from voluntary to mandatory for university library buildings have made library construction a complex interdisciplinary exercise requiring collective efforts between architects, energy consultants, and civil and mechanical engineers. Given this complexity, the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will likely grow to fulfill mandatory requirements of the codes and standards mentioned above. AI can be effectively used in the generation of appropriate architectural plans, code compliance, and energy modeling. Its integration with IoT would be handy in achieving inclusive design standards (architecture for differently-abled people) and universal design standards. Moreover, Machine Learning (ML), a subset of AI, can be used for user-behavior forecasting, post-occupancy learning, and creating data-driven planning. This paper forecasts the prospects and presents a comprehensive study of the integration of AI and IoT, stressing the creation of inclusive buildings that support neurodiverse users with cognitive disabilities.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence, code compliance, inclusive design, Internet of Things, universal accessibility

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1.       Rathod MSG. The rise of smart libraries: Integrating IoT, cloud services, and AI for next-gen learning spaces. Int J Res Libr Sci. 2025;11(2):211–226. doi: 10.26761/IJRLS.11.2.2025.1883.

2.       Deb Roy A. Inclusive public library [Bachelor of Architecture thesis]. Chennai: Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Department of Architecture, School of Building and Environment; 2021.

3.       Wong HL. Architecture without barriers: Designing inclusive environments accessible to all [dissertation]. Toronto: Toronto Metropolitan University; 2014.

4.       Chauhan SPS. Enhancing accessibility in special libraries: A study on AI-powered assistive technologies for patrons with disabilities. arXiv [Preprint]. 2024; arXiv:2411.06970.

5.       Srivastava A, Shrivastava A. Empathy with barrier-free design for inclusive architecture. Int J Res Anal Rev. 2023;10(1):512–8.

6.       Press Information Bureau, Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Cases of blindness. New Delhi: Government of India; 2014 Jul 25.

7.       Begg RT. Disabled libraries: An examination of physical and attitudinal barriers to handicapped library users. Law Libr J. 1979;72:513.

8.       Nishad R, Sharma M, Lonkar R, Meshram U, Dubey A. Artificial intelligence in libraries: Transforming the library system. Int J Res Publ Rev. 2025 Feb;6(2):2003–6.

9.       Moss CA Jr. Planning barrier-free libraries: A guide for renovation and construction of libraries serving blind and physically handicapped readers. Washington (DC): National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress; 1981.

10.   Sharma S, Sharma U, Gupta S. Green library buildings: A study on national and international rating systems. In: Proceedings of the International Conference on Re-engineering of Libraries in the Context of Emerging Technologies: Myth or Reality; 68th Annual Conference of Indian Library Association; 2023 Jan; Ajmer, India.

11.   Sharma S, Kumar A, Kumar N, Gupta S. Developing a net zero energy building: A case study of an institutional library. SSRN Electron J. 2018. Available from: https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3198651.