AILAIC aims to transform public libraries into more inclusive spaces for learning and participation, harnessing the potential of generative artificial intelligence to remove barriers and improve access to information, culture and education for people with disabilities.
Innogestiona Ambiental is part of the international consortium behind AILAIC (AI for Libraries as Agents of Inclusion, Resilience and Community Building), a European initiative developed within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, under Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education.
The project aims to strengthen the role of public libraries as spaces for lifelong learning, social interaction and community participation, promoting the responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to improve the accessibility of their services and foster the inclusion of people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities.
Artificial intelligence supporting inclusion
Libraries play a fundamental role in providing access to knowledge and culture. However, barriers still exist that prevent certain groups, particularly people with disabilities, from participating fully in the opportunities they offer.
AILAIC seeks to address these challenges through the practical application of generative AI tools, enabling libraries to adapt content and develop more accessible resources, such as easy-to-read texts, subtitled audiovisual materials, alternative descriptions and content in different formats.
To achieve this, the project includes training for library staff in the responsible use of these technologies, with particular attention to accessibility, data protection, ethics and the real needs of library users.
Training, innovation and pilot activities in European libraries
Over its planned 36-month implementation period, AILAIC will carry out a range of activities designed to bring technological innovation into the everyday operation of public libraries.
Key activities include assessing accessibility needs, developing a training programme for library professionals and creating a set of practical tools and resources to support the production of accessible content.
The project will also implement pilot activities in libraries in Spain, Italy and Bulgaria, where inclusive initiatives will be designed, tested and evaluated with the direct involvement of people with disabilities.
In addition, AILAIC will establish a European Community of Practice to encourage the exchange of knowledge, experiences and good practices among library professionals.
Innogestiona’s role in AILAIC
Innogestiona will play an important role in developing the project’s participatory methodologies, assessing accessibility needs and implementing pilot activities.
In particular, Innogestiona will co-lead the identification and analysis of accessibility barriers and coordinate the pilot activities carried out in Spain, encouraging collaboration between libraries, professionals and people with disabilities.
The organisation will also contribute to monitoring and evaluating the project’s results, helping to ensure that the solutions developed are practical, accessible and transferable to other European contexts.
This involvement builds on Innogestiona’s extensive experience in European projects focused on social innovation, digital transformation, training and cultural accessibility.
A European partnership for libraries without barriers
AILAIC brings together seven organisations from five European countries, coordinated by the Extremadura Federation of People with Hearing Disabilities, Parents and Friends of Deaf People (FEDAPAS).
The consortium also includes Innogestiona Ambiental (Spain), the Italian Ministry of Culture, European Grants International Academy – EGInA (Italy), Public Libraries 2030 (Belgium), the National Library of Norway and Global Libraries Bulgaria.
Collaboration between these organisations will bring together expertise in accessibility, adult education, technological innovation and library management to develop solutions that can be applied across different European countries.
Through its participation in AILAIC, Innogestiona reinforces its commitment to social innovation, inclusion and digital transformation, helping to ensure that emerging technologies become tools that serve people and that libraries continue to evolve into more open, accessible and participatory spaces.
