Academic Libraries of the World: Exemplars, Educators, Enablers for Sustainable Development

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).