This paper explores the impact of assistive technologies based on artificial intelligence (AI) and their transformative potential in improving the accessibility of cultural heritage assets for different categories of vulnerable users who are interested in library services. The present research starts from a use case initiated within the SHIFT - MetamorphoSis of cultural Heritage Into augmented hypermedia assets For enhanced accessibiliTy and inclusion project, funded under the Horizon 2021-2027 program, in which the author has the capacity of early investigator. Using the method of observation and structured interviews, the author evaluates the preliminary feedback collected from 30 participants with different impairments (visual, hearing, locomotor and people belonging to the autism spectrum) who participated in guided technological demonstrations based on cutting-edge innovations, on the occasion of the SHIFT TO INCLUSION in-person workshop, organized by the National Association of Public Librarians and Libraries of Romania (ANBPR) at the National Library of Romania on May 27, 2024. This paper proposes a model for connecting the users’ needs belonging to vulnerable groups with the technical capabilities of SHIFT solutions applicable in libraries. With the main goal of stimulating the cultural and educational inclusion of people with special needs, but also establishing easily replicable good practices in terms of accessibility, this paper highlights the users with different impairments’ preferences for customized technological solutions corresponding to each type of disability. Visually impaired people place particular importance on detailed audio descriptions, tactile interfaces and emotionally enriched voice content. In contrast, hearing impaired participants highlight the need for synchronized subtitles and technological support for integrating sign language into current library services. While users with locomotor impairments prefer digital solutions that minimize their physical navigation, those on the autism spectrum prioritize intuitive interfaces, without many audio-video and haptic interferences in order to be able to control or reduce their anxiety. In general, participants from vulnerable groups expressed a strong interest in the availability of SHIFT technologies without costs, localized functionalities and pre-use training. The research also revealed nuanced perspectives on innovative techniques such as Image-to-Speech and Image-to-Sound. While synthetic voice has been generally well received, metaphorical representations of sound have raised concerns among visually impaired users and people on the autism spectrum, particularly due to their abstract and sometimes slightly confusing nature. The current article exemplifies, structures and evaluates different models in which co-creation with diverse user groups can stimulate innovation, thus ensuring congruence between AI-based solutions and the real needs of vulnerable people. By allowing participants to engage with cutting-edge technological tools and express their specific needs, this research proposes a collaborative approach to accessibility in the cultural and creative industries, highlighting the critical role of AI-based assistive technologies in creating authentic cultural and educational experiences for vulnerable users.

Keywords: Cutting-Edge Innovations, Image-to-Speech, Image-to-Sound, Haptic Interfaces, Enhanced Accessibility and Inclusion, AI-Based Solutions, Modern Library Services.