Examining public library services and resources in the digital era: a case study of three district central libraries in Andhra Pradesh, India

Purpose Public libraries have evolved beyond traditional book lending to serve as multifaceted community hubs addressing diverse social needs. Drawing on digital divide theory and institutional theory, this case study documented infrastructure, staffing, and service provision in three district central libraries in Andhra Pradesh, India. Design/methodology/approach Through a questionnaire survey of 35 library staff members, to analyze how standardization patterns reflect coercive isomorphism while infrastructure gaps and workforce constraints create structural barriers to digital transformation. Findings The findings revealed a uniform distribution of basic facilities across all three libraries, including reading rooms, sanitation, and communication infrastructure. Book collections ranged from 82,202 to 121,816 volumes, and staffing levels varied from 10 to 14 members per library. However, significant structural barriers persisted, with technology infrastructure remaining inadequate due to limited internet connectivity and insufficient computing resources. Professional staffing was critically low, with only three qualified librarians among the 35 total staff members, raising concerns about specialized service capacity. Research limitations/implications The study captured only library staff reports on available resources and services. The absence of user viewpoints limits our insight into how community members actually experience and use these services, and whether reported services effectively meet community needs. Practical implications Our work contributes to understanding how libraries navigate technological change and community demands, giving insights that can inform library development strategies and policy decisions in related environments. Social implications The findings point to three interconnected constraints that reinforce one another: (1) rigid standardization that stifles local adaptation and innovation, (2) gaps in the professional workforce that limit service capacity and quality, and (3) infrastructure deficiencies that hinder the implementation of digital services, even when they are formally available. These are not isolated issues but rather systemic problems that require coordinated efforts to address multiple dimensions simultaneously. Originality/value This is our original work.