Abstract
In times of real threats to the continuity of the human civilization resulting from environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, overpopulation, and other adverse factors, the issue of sustainable development is the subject of interest of many scientific disciplines. As a leading objective of this paper, the authors take up the topic of sustainable development seen through the lenses of the library and information science, which is considered with special attention paid to its economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. In addition to reviewing the most important literature, the authors also explore the subject matter from a quantitative perspective. As a result of the research, the authors identify the key areas that affect libraries as cultural and scientific institutions, in which work related to the sustainability concept is actively carried out. Quantitative research allowed to determine the proportions of efforts made by scientists within the previously selected areas, and to outline trends observed within those areas—that is, to identify which areas have recently been gaining importance, and which may have ceased to be exploited. The authors hope that the research results not only shed light on the landscape of world science in the subject matter, but above all, that they support contemporary researches of these fields by identifying potentially the most important works influencing the shape of particular research areas, and the identification of current trends, which are present within the mentioned areas as well. Further research directions, which are potentially worth undertaking, are also emphasized.
Highlights
The term “sustainability” itself was used for the very first time in 1953
The original idea of “limits to growth”, which underlies the whole concept of sustainability and sustainable development, and which would later take the form of the contemporarily well-known multidimensional sustainability idea, was expressed much earlier by Thomas Malthus in 1798 in his population growth theory [3]
This is especially evident regarding the social component of sustainable development because of the social and cultural nature of libraries as institutes, i.e., agencies, that are meant to provide their communities with opportunities to learn, develop, and increase access to various types of information [5]
Summary
The term “sustainability” itself was used for the very first time in 1953. It appeared in the journal Land Economics, in an article by Joseph L. All SDGs are further subdivided into more narrowly formulated goals, which embrace several different dimensions related to the three mentioned components of the general sustainability concept Their list includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks: protecting the natural environment; ending hunger and poverty; improving education; sustaining balanced economic growth; reducing inequalities between regions and societies; ensuring peace, justice, and strong institutions for all the people around the world; introducing responsible consumption and production of goods principles; etc. The importance of implementing cross- and interdisciplinary research agendas in favor of achieving SDGs is often emphasized, which is why library and information science (LIS), as an example of an interdisciplinary field, ought to be included in the selected scientific efforts aimed at supporting SDGs and accomplishment [9] This is especially evident regarding the social component of sustainable development because of the social and cultural nature of libraries as institutes, i.e., agencies, that are meant to provide their communities with opportunities to learn, develop, and increase access to various types of information [5]. Which of the areas of application of the concept of sustainable development are of greatest interest to researchers presently? Which of them are often considered together? Which of them are rising, and which, if any, are starting to fade away? We try to answer these questions in this paper
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
