From Stacks to Sustainability: The Transformative Role of Academic Libraries in Achieving SDGs

Abstract

Academic libraries have an essential role to play in the realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations, promoting equitable access to knowledge, lifelong learning, and research and innovation. In this somewhat thematic study, the part academic libraries may take in the globalisation of the SDGs via their educational, administrative and community functions has been investigated. The study proceeds from the secondary sources of academic journals and institutional reports, and adopts a qualitative exploratory approach to thematic interpretation. The results of this study highlight several areas wherein it can be shown that academic libraries play an important part in the realisation of the SDGs, such as the giving of quality education (SDG 4) in the form of information literacy programmes and open access materials; the promotion of reduced inequalities (SDG 10) by bridging the digital divide; the support of industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), in the giving of research support services, the administration of data and the dissemination of knowledge; and the support of climate action (SDG 13) by the implementation of green practices in the daily administration of libraries. They are also central to community engagement, promoting cooperation and partnerships (SDG 17) to address local and global sustainable development needs. Despite great difficulties due to underfunding, infrastructural inadequacies and provincial inequalities, academic libraries show an adaptability and responsiveness, in altering their aims and objectives to meet the SDG agenda. This study makes considerable contributions, inter alia, it is pointed out that not only are academic libraries information service providers but also agents of social change, being capable of transforming sustainable futures in higher education and beyond. Recommendations include more efficient policies to support academic libraries contribution to digital inclusion, improved resources to eliminate digital divides, and an increased emphasis on sustainable library operations.