Green Library Research Articles

IFLA Green Library Award from 2016 to 2023: an Examination of the Best Practices

ABSTRACT The main goal of this study is to examine the IFLA Green Library Award, which is given to green libraries and projects that have implemented a green strategy contributing to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fifty-one libraries from 31 countries worldwide received awards during this examination (2016 – 2023). The results found that Europe had the highest proportion, with 15 countries winning the award 23 times (45.10%). Public libraries received the highest percentage of awards (60.78%), followed by university and national libraries at 11.76%. Regarding the best practices adopted by the winning libraries, the findings revealed that “education and outreach” as a best practice was prioritized by libraries in their awards with 31.37%, followed by “energy efficiency” (15.69%) and “green spaces” (13.73%). This study will probably contribute to enhancing the awareness among libraries regarding the IFLA Green Library Award. Additionally, the result of this investigation may encourage various libraries in developing countries to adopt the best practices of libraries that won the award by developing their strategy to be green based on their capabilities.

The green library advocacy: Need to engage the international communities in a climate change action

This paper seeks to explore the pivotal role of libraries in global initiatives to combat climate change and emphasize the significance of international cooperation in advocating for sustainable practices. Through an extensive exploration of existing literature and real-world case studies obtained from various sources of information, this paper scrutinizes various endeavors undertaken by libraries worldwide to promote environmental advocacy and tackle climate-related challenges. It assesses the obstacles and prospects encountered by libraries in engaging communities and fostering sustainability. The study underscores the indispensable role of libraries as centers for environmental education, awareness-raising, and proactive measures. Libraries serve as vital platforms for disseminating information, conducting workshops, and advocating for policies conducive to environmental preservation. Collaborative ventures like the Climate Action Libraries Network (CALN) and the Global Library Consortium for Climate Action (GLCCA) showcase the potency of collective efforts in addressing climate change issues. Additionally, the paper highlights significant hurdles, such as resource constraints and institutional barriers, while proposing future strategies for advancing green library advocacy. This paper enriches the scholarly discourse by accentuating the transformative potential of libraries in championing sustainability and nurturing resilient communities. It underscores the imperative of international collaboration in nurturing green library initiatives and underscores avenues for libraries to augment their influence in confronting climate change globally.

Analyzing sustainability efforts in supporting the Green Library Initiative by Kenyan University Libraries

Analyzing sustainability efforts in supporting the Green Library Initiative by Kenyan University Libraries

Green library practices in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study investigated green library practices in selected academic libraries in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study adopted an exploratory design. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 18 librarians as the participants for the study, and the interview method was adopted for data collection. The findings reveal that all the academic libraries engaged in the fumigation of their environment to preserve library resources, and the level of adoption of information and communications technology resulted in the libraries having a high carbon footprint. The results also show that the academic libraries engaged in resource-sharing for economic sustainability and that they have value for their users in terms of social and cultural support. It is recommended that university management teams provide adequate funding to develop eco-friendly practices in university libraries, and that academic libraries provide solar systems to all their library units to enhance environmentally conscious practices.

The Green Library Concept And Initiatives In India: A New Era

The Green Library Concept And Initiatives In India: A New Era

Application of Green Library Concept in Improving Librarian Performance

Abstract. The library is a very important part of the world of education, especially in the current era of society 5.0 which allows humans to use technology-based knowledge as a human need to be more effective (1). For this reason, libraries must also maintain their existence by keeping up with the technological developments that are growing rapidly. This research uses a literature review method related to green library. A green library is a place for storing information, which is comfortable and user-friendly. , The concept of green library applies more to sustainable development and minimizes pollution around the library such as air pollution, sound pollution, and other pollution that can interfere with activities in the library, and it is earth-friendly (2). , The existence of a comfortable and conducive room will be directly proportional to the effectiveness of librarian performance.
 Keywords: green library, sustainable, earth friendly

The green library revolution: a catalyst for climate change action

PurposeLibraries are currently undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as dynamic advocates for environmental sustainability, surpassing their conventional roles as mere repositories of knowledge. In today’s world, dominated by the growing climate crisis, these evolving institutions are poised to play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. However, they confront a range of challenges, including the need to establish sustainable operations, provide accessible climate information, engage diverse audiences and uphold ethical standards.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology used for this study involves an extensive review of literature. The authors analyze existing studies concerning green libraries and their role as catalysts for climate change action globally. This analysis draws from a variety of scholarly sources, encompassing articles, books and reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of the subject.FindingsThe findings indicate that despite the aforementioned challenges, libraries in developed countries worldwide have demonstrated noteworthy success through initiatives such as green building projects, community engagement programs, collaborative partnerships, expansion of digital resources, innovative climate literacy initiatives and a commitment to ethical stewardship. These achievements serve as a source of inspiration, fostering hope and spurring action as libraries empower communities to embrace environmental stewardship. They showcase the potential of libraries as catalysts for positive environmental change.Originality/valueThe originality and value of this research lie in its insights into the potential of green libraries initiative as a catalyst for climate change action. Ultimately, this study opens the door to untold literary exploration, revolutionizing the art of green library capacity in the ever-evolving technological landscape. To augment their impact, libraries are encouraged to broaden the scope of their climate education initiatives, expand their digital resources, cultivate strategic collaborations, prioritize ethical responsibility and implement thorough evaluation and communication practices.

The social sustainability improvement strategy for supporting the green library concept at Taman Ismail Marzuki library

PurposeThis study aims to describe and examine the strategy used by the Taman Ismail Marzuki Library for increasing its social sustainability capabilities.Design/methodology/approachThe research questions in this study are (1) What is the TIM Library’s social sustainability strategy for supporting the green library concept? and (2) What are the impediments and facilitators to implementing the green library concept in the TIM Library through a social sustainability process? This study adopted a qualitative approach, using a case study method, in research conducted over the period July–November 2022. The data collection methods used were purposive sampling, interviews, observations and document analysis.FindingsThis study’s findings indicate that the TIM library’s social sustainability strategy supports economic sustainability up to the independence stage, whereas environmental sustainability is still at the empowerment stage. The green library concept is sustainable due to the library’s commitment to the “third place” concept and library cooperation. The TIM Library’s continuing strategy to use creative community development programs to attract public interest and change the library’s perception in the community should help it realize the green library concept.Practical implicationsLibraries can use the research findings to guide their strategies for community engagement and inclusivity.Social implicationsThe paper suggests that policymakers supporting libraries can consider incorporating elements of the Green Library concept and community development stages into policies to enhance the societal impact of libraries.Originality/valueThe significance of this study is that it uncovers strategies to help public libraries meet the requirements of the green library concept.

Librarians’ attitudes toward library’s roles in environmental sustainability

The library community has been committed to environmental sustainability. The Green Library Movement calls for libraries to green their building, operation, and services. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) calls for libraries to actively contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in which environmental sustainability was one of the three aspects of sustainability in addition to social and economic sustainability. The American Library Association (ALA) has also added sustainability as one of the core values of librarianship. However, previous research identified a gap between librarians’ perceived importance of environmental sustainability and the actual practices adopted in their libraries that contribute to environmental sustainability. This current study focuses on examining librarians’ attitudes toward the roles of libraries in environmental sustainability advocated by IFLA and ALA by surveying librarians from California, Florida, and Georgia identified from the state library association listservs and the individual library websites. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and the Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. Findings from this study will add to the understanding of the previously identified gap by comprehending the roles that librarians identify with regarding libraries’ contribution to environmental sustainability. The findings will also inform professional organizations on what support their members might need the most in promoting environmental sustainability in society and community. Lastly, the findings could inform curricular development for Library and Information Studies programs interested in preparing librarians with environmental awareness.

Designing a Green Library in Alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal: a Case Study of Rajagiri Business School Library, Kerala, India

Designing a Green Library in Alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goal: a Case Study of Rajagiri Business School Library, Kerala, India

Challenges and Hurdles in Establishing a Green Library: Strategies for Overcoming Them

Challenges and Hurdles in Establishing a Green Library: Strategies for Overcoming Them

3D rooms map concept based augmented reality for green library

Green libraries are an exciting topic for creating environmentally friendly buildings. Libraries are synonymous with book lending services and comfortable reading rooms. The green library concept will be in line with increasing the comfort of library visitors. Libraries with large buildings need room maps for visitors to find room information. This research aims to create a room map with the concept of Augmented Reality (AR). Room maps generally use 2D images that provide information or instructions for all rooms in a building. The Augmented Reality approach as a 3D-based room map will undoubtedly provide a different experience to library visitors. Creating an AR room map will apply the Multimedia Development Life Cycle (MDLC) method. This method is suitable for application in multimedia product development. However, the resulting product is not only used as room map information but can also be used as a library promotional tool.

Green Initiative and Environmental Sustainability in South South Nigerian Academic Libraries

Green initiative is a global phenomenon and one of the UN 2030 sustainable development goals on environmental sustainability. The green library is gradually being popularized because of the eco degradation that is ongoing globally. This study explores the level of awareness of librarians, availability and strategies employed by libraries for green initiatives. Three research questions and hypotheses guided the study. A descriptive survey research design method was used for the study. The population of the study is 102 librarians in South South federal University libraries using census sampling technique. The instrument (GIESAL) questionnaire was used to elicit information from the respondents. Data collected from the study were analyzed using weighted mean scores to determine the respondents' level of agreement on a particular item for the research questions. The hypotheses were tested using the z test at 0.05 significance level l. The findings revealed that the level of awareness of greening library among librarians is low, insufficient fund, lack of initiative and absence of sustainable policies. In conclusion the green initiative for environmental sustainability available in the libraries are sustainable sites, indoor environmental policy, innovation in design, water efficiency, solar and wind energy, which enhances sustainability of library resources.. The study recommended among others that there is a need to create more awareness for greening in libraries generally and employ strategic methods and planning sessions to ensure sustainability

Placemaking strategies in greening Universiti Malaya Main Library

<abstract> <p>Libraries are vital for learning, literacy, and fostering innovation. Emphasizing green and sustainable practices is crucial to conserve resources. This research focused on transforming the Universiti Malaya (UM) Main Library into a greener space through placemaking and green initiatives. To assess the greening potential of the library, a systematic review was conducted to establish a list of green library initiatives. Eighteen distinctive themes or categories of green library initiatives were identified. Ten categories deemed of critical importance, including indoor air quality, water quality and management, energy consumption, noise control, policies, waste management, interior design, ecological environment, services and facilities, and library sources, were selected for inclusion in a comprehensive user survey. The survey encompassed five sections, namely: (A) Demographic information, (B) Users' satisfaction with the UM Main Library, (C) Users' knowledges of the green libraries and practices, (D) Users' perceptions towards greening UM Main Library, and (E) Users' additional aspects which include Likert-scale questions and open-ended question soliciting users' opinions on additional green initiatives or improvements. A total of 407 respondents completed the survey, offering valuable insights into their perspectives. Overall, most of respondents revealed a prevailing inclination among library users toward endorsing and adopting green library practices in alignment with those categories. A total of 12 categories and 67 initiatives and strategies were listed based on both article reviews and users' suggestions. This study underscores the significance of integrating greening strategies within the UM Main Library to enhance its environmental quality and user experience by incorporating user feedback.</p> </abstract>

Green Libraries and the User’s Perspective: A Case Study in Turkey

The purpose of this article is to identify green (environmentally friendly) practices in the university libraries of Kocaeli and Istanbul, and to determine the environmental awareness and attitudes of the users (students) of these libraries in their daily lives, as well as conceptually. In addition, students’ level of awareness about the environmental impacts of access to and use of information, and the greenness of libraries from the user’s perspective were also investigated. Within the scope of the study, data was collected through a face-to-face questionnaire method conducted with the library users of 11 universities. Questionnaires were distributed only to student library users, and a total of 436 students answered them. This study differs from the existing literature by evaluating the environmental measures applied by librarians and their users, in contrast to studies employing conceptual approaches to the subject of green libraries. This study is intended to assist library managers, librarians and researchers conducting research on these issues. It encompasses the users’ perceptions of green libraries, environmental approaches and practices that they support in libraries, their awareness of the environmental effects of information access and use, and how they evaluate their library from a green perspective. In a global context, it aims to contribute to the literature on libraries by presenting data from an unresearched region. The study first assesses the green practices of 11 university libraries using a questionnaire given to library managers, and then assesses them using a questionnaire distributed to users. Finally, it seeks to present a concrete link between information literacy and the environment, contrasting green libraries with their users’ awareness of environmental impact. The results of the study showed that 7 of the 11 university libraries are in the green library category. When the data obtained from the users was analyzed, the average score for environmental awareness and attitude (EAA) in daily life among those who had received environmental education was found to be significantly higher than those who had not. The level of greenness a library was evaluated as having (EGL) was significantly higher among users of green libraries than non-green users. This can be interpreted as users having noticed the environmentally friendly measures being practiced. No significant difference was found between the green libraries and their users’ environmental awareness and attitudes in daily life.

IFLA Agenda of Green and Sustainable Library: a Literature Study

Green library sustainability initiatives include all the wise decisions that must be made to maintain the balance between the library system and the underlying environmental system. The green library philosophy advocates a careful understanding of the environment and the creation of methods for managing library facilities and programs while keeping environmental concerns in mind. This study aims to build the understanding and perception of librarians about the concept of green libraries for environmental sustainability; and analyze the practices adopted by libraries according to the IFLA checklists in libraries in several locations. This research method uses literature search in the Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts database. A search was conducted on the google scholar, focusing on documents published between 2010 and 2020 using the search terms “green libraries” “sustainable/sustainable/eco-friendly” “IFLA checklist” revealing 22 results. The title of each reference returned is checked for relevance and appropriateness. The results show that the concept of green and sustainable logistics has received increasing attention and consideration from the government sector, academia, practitioners, and international organizations. The result of a systematic investigation that combines conference proceedings, reports, and valuable books in the field of green libraries and is expected to illustrate a more comprehensive knowledge map for future research on Green and Sustainable Libraries.

Green Library: Features, Elements, Standards and Green Library initiatives in India

Green Library: Features, Elements, Standards and Green Library initiatives in India

Framework for Implementation of Sustainable Green Information Technology in Library Digitalization

The green library, also known as a sustainable library, is a relatively new concept that is gaining popularity among libraries. The Green Library Revolution is an organization of academics, libraries, governments, towns, and higher education campuses committed to greening libraries and reducing environmental degradation. We are going to focus on this paper to examine how green information technology works by conducting a digitization experiment in library services and we propose a framework for Green computing access to Library Services among the various categories of cloud computing that result in energy savings. It also focuses on the efficiency of Green Information Technology instruments in library services and their widespread adoption in modern days.

IFLA and Sustainable Development Goals: Reviewing the projects by IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section

Among the other IFLA sections and thematic groups, IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB) is in the thick of sustainability problems and, in particular, of ecological component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). ENSULIB encourages the libraries to inspire their communities for the ecologically sustainable course of action through providing materials on “green” librarianship, giving the floor to “green” librarians and library projects, by taking the lead and propounding the discussion.On IFLA ENSULIB web page, one can find materials and projects for the libraries working in ecological education and advocating sustainability ideas, and among these initiatives are IFLA Green Library Award, news bulletin, open access thematic information resource, Library Map of the World Project, and regular webinars. The ENSULIB provides support to zero-waste and decrease-ofconsumption projects. The authors discuss the materials that might be useful for Russian libraries.

The Green Library Project In Algeria

The Green Library Project In Algeria