Academic Libraries of the World: Exemplars, Educators, Enablers for Sustainable Development
Date
2020-09
Authors
Hauke, Petra
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University Library
Abstract
Sustainable thinking and going green are undoubtedly on the agenda
worldwide. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
(IFLA) adopted the United Nations Agenda 2030 to demonstrate the key role
of libraries as engines for sustainable development. The purpose of this study
is to motivate and encourage academic libraries to take a leading role in their
communities to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of
Agenda 2030 and to stimulate further research on the topic. This study identifies,
for the first time, outstanding examples of sustainable libraries from all over the
world. It focuses on academic libraries that took part in the IFLA Green Library
Award competition or those that published their project as an SDG story on
the Library Map of the World. The examples given depict how libraries and
access to information address the demands across all SDGs. Tools such as a
checklist, a short literature review and relevant websites complement the study.
Academic libraries and librarians can learn by example and adopt strategies and
solutions proven to be successful in other countries. By doing so, they can join
a global movement to act as exemplars, educators, and enablers for sustainable
development (IFLA, 2018).
Description
Keywords
green libraries, SGD, sustainable development, Agenda 2030