Libraries as Spaces for Inclusive Communities: A Literature Review

Recognizing and appreciating the diversity of people around the world is a necessary step in achieving equality for all. The opening of equitable chances for society as a whole is one of the ways in which libraries contribute to the reduction of the exclusion gap. Despite their expanding relevance, institutions like libraries demonstrate inconsistent patterns of integration and research. This literature analysis aimed to examine the methods employed by public libraries to foster social inclusion across various populations from 2014 to 2024. A comprehensive systematic literature review was performed, identifying n = 69 interventions that fulfilled the inclusion criteria according to PRISMA methodological principles. The findings indicate a necessity for collaboration between libraries and other organizations to enhance their effectiveness in promoting social inclusion. The findings underscore the necessity of adopting a comprehensive perspective on inclusion in libraries, which encompasses an examination of infrastructure and participation in physical spaces, as well as additional aspects and dimensions, integrating both physical and digital inclusion.