
Libraries, Community Empowerment, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:A Symbiotic Transformation
For a long time already, libraries are more than just repositories of books. Libraries and librarians had to undergo significant transformations in many aspects. Their current role mainly is to serve as dynamic centers of learning, innovation, and community and citizen engagement. They are dynamic and innovative institutions that play a crucial role in promoting knowledge, education, and social inclusion. In the face of all the global challenges that are dealt with through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as climate change, poverty, inequality, and the need for quality education, libraries have taken up the opportunity to transform themselves into catalysts for sustainable development, already a long time ago. This article explores how libraries can align their missions, services, and initiatives with the SDGs to create a positive impact on their communities and contribute to a sustainable future.
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, libraries and Sustainable Development Goals, community-led librarianship
Introduction
In the pursuit of creating a better world for present and future generations, the United Nations (UN) has established a set of seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a blueprint for global action (UN 2015). These UN SDGs were adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. They provide a comprehensive framework to address pressing global challenges and guide actions toward a more sustainable and equitable world by 2030. By today, the timeframe of fifteen years has just passed its [End Page 587] halftime, and this is a good occasion to have a look at the library field and explore how libraries have taken up this wide challenge of the SDGs.
Since 2013, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has been active in aligning libraries with the SDGs and promoting them as key institutions for information and knowledge dissemination as well as community engagement. Libraries, as vital knowledge institutions at the heart of communities, have the potential to play a transformative role in achieving these goals. Thus, libraries have a unique opportunity to contribute to the achievement of these UN goals. This article explores the ways in which libraries can align their missions, strategies, programs, and services with the SDGs, becoming powerful agents for positive change, inclusivity, and sustainability. Aligning with the SDGs means for libraries as well to undertake a process of transforming themselves into active agents of change and playing a vital role in shaping sustainable and resilient communities.
Brief Background on the UN SDGS
The SDGs were adopted by all UN member states in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN 2015). The 2030 Agenda builds upon the results of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which spanned from 2000 to 2015. They ranged from "halving extreme poverty rates to stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS and providing universal quality primary education" (UN, n.d.-b). The MDGs initiated stronger activities to meet the needs of the most deprived people on our globe. The 2030 Agenda, with its seventeen SDGs, aims at a more ambitious set of objectives. It is also most important to understand the SDGs as a set of seventeen interconnected goals that are aimed at addressing the most challenging global challenges the current and future generations face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice.
The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing the world's most pressing social, economic, and environmental challenges. The key points of the seventeen SDGs can be summarized as follows:
1. No Poverty: End poverty in all its forms everywhere, ensuring social protection and equal rights to economic resources.
2. Zero Hunger: Achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
3. Good Health and Well-being: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, focusing on areas like maternal and child health, communicable diseases, and health care accessibility.
4. Quality Education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. [End Page 588]
5. Gender Equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls, ending all forms of discrimination and violence against them.
6. Clean Water and Sanitation: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all, focusing on areas like water quality, wastewater treatment, and water use efficiency.
7. Affordable and Clean Energy: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth: Promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.
9. Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and foster innovation.
10. Reduced Inequalities: Reduce inequality within and among countries, promoting the social, economic, and political inclusion of all.
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
12. Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns, focusing on areas like resource efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable management of natural resources.
13. Climate Action: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, aligning with the Paris Agreement's goals.
14. Life below Water: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development.
15. Life on Land: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, halt and reverse land degradation, and halt biodiversity loss.
16. Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels.
17. Partnerships for the Goals: Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.
These SDGs are based on the broad political and scientific consensus that environmental, social, and economic sustainability must be regarded as interconnected facets of the same overarching goal, rather than as separate, competing entities. This understanding underscores the need for integrated solutions on the national levels and for enhanced international cooperation.
Since these goals are interconnected, it is necessary to understand that actions and interventions in one area will affect outcomes and developments in other areas and therefore, the measures that will be undertaken must balance social, economic, and environmental aspects. An optimal [End Page 589] achievement of these goals can only come into practice when there is positive collaboration and reliable partnership among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals—among all layers and actors in society.
Each UN member state was to adopt and implement the SDGs and establish their own agenda with individual measures to achieve the SDGs on a national level. Each of the seventeen SDGs is accompanied by a list of targets and indicators that the UN member states are using to track progress, assess needs and opportunities, and set their agendas. The goals are universal and apply to all countries, not just those in the developing world. Unlike the MDGs, which primarily focused on social issues in developing countries, the SDGs also address environmental and economic issues, demonstrating a holistic approach to sustainable development.
Examination of How Libraries Directly and Indirectly Can Support Each SDG
Libraries play an instrumental role in supporting the UN SDGs as they serve as information hubs, educational centers, and community gathering places. Here is a general overview of how libraries are supporting the UN SDGs:
• Access to Information: Libraries, at their core, provide access to a wide array of information and knowledge. By offering free and equal access to their resources, they support all seventeen SDGs. They help people educate themselves about topics related to each SDG, such as climate change, health and well-being, gender equality, clean energy, and more.
• Education and Lifelong Learning: Libraries are fundamentally educational institutions, providing free access to a wealth of learning resources. This includes books, educational events, literacy programs, digital learning resources, and homework help centers. They can also serve as a place for lifelong learning and skill development for all ages. Thus, libraries inherently support SDG 4 (Quality Education) by offering resources for formal and informal learning to people of all ages.
• Health and Well-being: Libraries often host programs promoting physical and mental health, ranging from health information workshops to exercise or meditation classes. Libraries also provide resources for health education, host health check-up camps, and help people find information about health care providers and insurance. They also offer a variety of programs that contribute to mental well-being, like reading groups, yoga classes, and art workshops. Even in the COVID-19 pandemic, once they were open again, they could act as local hubs for information and sometimes even for vaccination. These services support the achievement of SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
• Promotion of Equality: Libraries often provide services or programs specifically designed for marginalized or disadvantaged groups. With [End Page 590] their services and resources, they promote equality and inclusiveness. They offer free access to information without discrimination, fostering equal opportunities for all genders and members of the communities they serve. Specifically, they provide resources and services that advocate for gender equality and empowerment aiming at reducing inequalities. They may also offer special programs or resources aimed at serving marginalized or disadvantaged groups. Thus, libraries are supporting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Decent Work and Economic Growth: Libraries contribute to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by providing resources for job seekers such as job search services, career advice and guidance, digital literacy and entrepreneurship programs, and skill development workshops for writing resumes. They also support local industry by providing business resources and serving as a meeting place for networking business events.
• Digital Inclusion: Libraries often provide the infrastructure for digital inclusion by offering free Internet access and digital literacy training. By offering free access to the internet and digital literacy programs, libraries contribute to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). Additionally, libraries are also supporting SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) because they are giving everyone the opportunity to share in the benefits of the internet and to participate in the digital world. Especially for women in the global south, these services can be the only access to the digital world.
• Cultural Preservation and Promotion of Peace: Libraries hold collections that preserve cultural heritage, fostering understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, which relates to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By doing this they can also serve SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) since culture is an imminent important factor for the creation of personal and regional identity.
• Environmental Sustainability: Libraries often promote sustainable practices and offer resources on environmental issues. They can provide resources and educational programs about climate change and sustainability, encouraging community members to take action. They can lead by example implementing sustainable strategies within their own operations. Libraries can host informational workshops about the importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene. They can also provide resources about local initiatives and programs related to these goals. Libraries can advocate for clean energy by hosting seminars or discussions, providing resources on the subject, or by implementing sustainable practices within their own operations, like utilizing renewable energy sources. Libraries support these goals by offering resources [End Page 591] and education about conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of protecting our ecosystems. They often collaborate with local environmental groups for awareness campaigns and activities. Thus, libraries can be very effective in supporting SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).
• Partnerships for the Goals: Libraries often partner with local organizations, government agencies, and businesses to deliver programs and services, contributing to SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). They can also facilitate international collaboration by participating in global library networks.
• Community Building and Social Cohesion: Libraries help build sustainable communities by providing a space and venue for community engagement by the citizens and by offering programming around any kind of sustainability. They can also lead by example by implementing sustainable practices within their own operations. Libraries act as community centers, hosting events and offering spaces for people to gather, discuss, and collaborate. This fosters a sense of community, helping to build sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). By executing these tasks and organizing services for everyone regardless of their social background libraries are also reducing inequalities and thus contribute to SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
• Responsible Consumption and Production: Libraries promote responsible consumption by advocating for the "reuse" part of the "reduce, reuse, recycle" principle. They often offer programs or workshops about recycling, sustainability, and conscious consumption.
• Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Libraries are a cornerstone of democratic societies, offering free access to information, supporting transparency and accountability, and fostering cultural understanding and peace through diverse collections, services, and programs (SDG 16).
The Role of Libraries in Community Empowerment
Libraries are no longer mere repositories of books; they have evolved into powerful catalysts for community empowerment. As vibrant centers of learning, information, and connection, libraries play a crucial role in fostering community engagement, promoting lifelong learning, and empowering individuals. In this section, I will explore the multifaceted role of libraries in community empowerment and how they can contribute to the lifelong development of individuals and communities.
Libraries serve as gateways to information, offering free and equitable access to knowledge resources. By providing books, digital materials, and online databases, libraries empower individuals to access information, pursue personal interests, and expand their knowledge base. Access to information [End Page 592] plays a vital role in empowering community members to make informed decisions, develop critical thinking skills, and actively engage in their own personal growth.
Libraries are learning centers and learning spaces that foster intellectual growth and skills development. They offer a range of educational programs, workshops, and training opportunities for people of all ages. From early literacy programs for children to adult education courses and vocational training, libraries provide a platform for individuals to acquire new skills, pursue personal interests, and foster their employability. By offering a wide range of opportunities for lifelong learning, libraries empower individuals to adapt to changing societal needs and contribute to their communities.
In the digital era, these opportunities foster digital literacy, which is crucial for social and economic empowerment. Libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital divide by providing public access to computers and other digital devices and tools, internet connectivity, and technology training. They empower individuals with digital skills, enabling them to navigate the digital landscape, access online resources, and participate actively in the digital society. By promoting digital inclusion, libraries are eager to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Libraries serve as inclusive spaces that bring communities together and thus foster community and social cohesion. They offer a safe and welcoming environment where community members can gather, exchange ideas, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Libraries organize events, book clubs, and discussion forums that encourage community participation and foster social cohesion. By nurturing a sense of belonging and facilitating community engagement, libraries empower individuals to actively contribute to the well-being and development of their communities. This is especially important in times when the influx of refugees and other migrants is increased in a way that official agencies almost cannot cope with the organization of sufficient support for these newcomers. Libraries contribute with their services that the immigrants can better and more successfully be accommodated in their new living environment.
Libraries also have a crucial role in empowering marginalized communities and promoting social equity. They offer resources, materials, and services that cater to the specific needs and interests of diverse populations. Libraries actively work to address social inequalities by providing resources on topics such as social justice, human rights, and cultural diversity. By offering inclusive programming and creating safe spaces, libraries empower marginalized individuals to voice their perspectives, enhance their self-confidence, and advocate for their rights.
Libraries encourage civic engagement by providing platforms for community dialogue, information sharing, and supporting active and self-reliant citizenship. They organize workshops, lectures, and public forums [End Page 593] on topics of local and global importance. Libraries serve as neutral spaces where community members can meet for discussions, have access to reliable information, engage in civil discourse, and work together to find solutions to societal challenges. By promoting civic literacy and democratic values, libraries empower individuals to actively participate in their communities and contribute to social change.
With these services, libraries have emerged as dynamic agents of community empowerment, offering resources, spaces, and programs that foster personal growth, social connection, and lifelong learning. Through access to information, digital inclusion, community engagement, and advocacy for social equity, libraries empower individuals to become active and self-determined participants in their communities. As libraries continue to evolve, they hold the power to transform lives, bridge divides, and create resilient and empowered communities. Embracing their role as drivers of community empowerment, libraries contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable society.
However, it is important to note that the role of libraries in supporting the SDGs varies greatly depending on the community they serve, as well as on their size, their resources, and on the specific needs of their patrons. Irrespective of these variables, libraries worldwide are demonstrating their capacity to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of the SDGs.
The Transformation of Libraries: Harnessing the Power of SDGs
Libraries have undergone a remarkable and unforeseen transformation in the last decade, evolving from traditional repositories of books to dynamic centers of community engagement and social change. A substantial addition to this transformation is coming with the alignment of libraries with the SDGs. The SDGs provide a comprehensive framework for addressing global challenges on international as well as on national and local levels and promoting change with regard to all aspects of sustainable development. Now, how can the SDGs contribute to the transformation of libraries themselves? How can they empower libraries to become catalysts for positive change and innovation, and to have an even greater social impact?
With the adoption of the SDGs as an important strategic goal, libraries have to rethink their mission and goals and align them with the broader goals of sustainable development. As an outcome of this rethinking, libraries are increasingly focused on social, economic, and environmental aspects, integrating the principles of the SDGs into their strategic planning. This shift has already led many libraries to view themselves in a new way as agents of change, actively contributing to the achievement of the SDGs at the local, regional, and global levels.
SDG 16 emphasizes in Sub-Goal 16.10, "Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national [End Page 594] legislation and international agreements" (UN, n.d.-a) the importance of access to information as a fundamental human right. Libraries have to become aware of this goal that describes their specific fundamental role for the achievement of all seventeen SDGs. Their contribution in ensuring equitable access to information, knowledge, and technology is key for the success of the SDGs. With this awareness, they must expand their services to include digital resources, e-books, online databases, and internet connectivity, bridging the digital divide and promoting information inclusivity for as many people as possible. Because by embracing technology and providing free access to a wealth of information, libraries empower individuals to participate fully in society and make informed decisions. This is also crucial for the future position of libraries in their environment.
Libraries having been transformed into vibrant and open learning spaces are clearly supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) that focuses on quality education and lifelong learning opportunities. With their offers of educational programs, workshops, and training sessions for people of all ages, addressing diverse learning needs and fostering lifelong learning, libraries have been experiencing a transition from merely cultural institutions to some of the most important educational institutions outside the traditional institutions like schools and higher education. Libraries have become places where communities can acquire new skills, explore emerging technologies, and engage in continuous personal and professional development. This transformation is important since it offers opportunities for lifelong learning to the benefit of individuals as well as of societies.
SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) emphasizes the importance of innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable industrialization. Libraries are embracing this goal by becoming hubs for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship. They provide resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. Libraries also host makerspaces, where people can experiment, collaborate, and develop innovative solutions to societal challenges. By nurturing creativity and innovation, libraries contribute to economic growth and the advancement of sustainable development.
Libraries have transformed into community centers that foster social cohesion, dialogue, and active citizenship. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) focuses on building sustainable and inclusive communities. To embrace this goal, libraries can enhance their activities to host public forums, discussions, and events that address local issues, promote diversity, and encourage community participation. Libraries serve as safe and inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, share ideas, and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to the well-being of their communities. This transformation results in the character of libraries being an open space without formal barriers.
By getting more and more aware of the challenging and even menacing [End Page 595] environmental problems, libraries are extending their roles in becoming advocates for environmental sustainability and acting as models of eco-friendly practices. Their impact on the public sphere consists of promoting environmental literacy, organizing educational programs on sustainability, and providing access to resources that raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation. In their own organizational processes, they have started to improve themselves as well by implementing energy-efficient technologies, recycling programs, and sustainable building practices to reduce their environmental footprint.
These impressive examples show that the SDGs are contributing to the transformation of libraries. One could say they even act as a catalyst for empowering the libraries to evolve from traditional institutions to dynamic agents of change. By embracing the principles of the SDGs and integrating them into their strategic planning libraries have redefined or enlarged their missions by enhancing access to information, promoting lifelong learning, supporting innovation, fostering community engagement, and advocating for environmental sustainability, libraries are driving positive social impact and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs. As libraries continue to adapt and innovate, they play a crucial role in creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable world.
Leveraging SDGS For Transformation: Exploring the Power of Libraries
Traditionally, libraries have always been at the forefront of providing access to information, promoting education, and serving as community hubs. In today's world, libraries are leveraging the SDGs as a powerful framework for driving transformation and positive change. By aligning their services and initiatives with the SDGs, libraries can enhance their impact and contribute to the global agenda of sustainable development. There are various ways libraries can leverage the SDGs to foster transformation in their communities.
Libraries can leverage the SDGs by aligning their strategic plans and programs with the specific goals and targets outlined in political sustainability strategies of their political ecosystem. By integrating their own activities for the achievement of the SDGs into the greater political frameworks, libraries can show that their initiatives are directly contributing to the broader sustainable development agenda of a community or even a country. This alignment enables libraries to track and measure their progress, identify areas of impact, and effectively communicate their contributions to stakeholders. This aspect is very important because it gives the libraries a good basis for advocating for their activities and for being acknowledged as one of the key actors in the process of the agenda 2023.
Additionally, libraries can serve as powerful advocates for the SDGs by [End Page 596] raising awareness and disseminating information about the goals within their communities and ecosystems. They can curate displays, organize events, and develop educational materials that highlight the importance of the SDGs and their relevance to local contexts. By promoting SDG-related resources and sharing success stories, libraries can inspire community members to take action and actively participate in achieving the goals.
Libraries are well-positioned to support wider and more general local actions toward achieving the SDGs. They can collaborate and partner with community organizations, local government bodies, and NGOs to develop initiatives and programs that address specific SDG targets at the grassroots level. For example, libraries can organize workshops on sustainable practices, facilitate community dialogues on key issues, and provide resources for local projects that promote environmental sustainability, gender equality, or poverty alleviation. By actively engaging with local businesses, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and government agencies, libraries can form strategic alliances to amplify their impact. Partnerships can involve joint initiatives, resource sharing, cocreation of programs, and leveraging expertise to tackle complex societal challenges and drive sustainable development in a collaborative manner.
Promoting Access to Information
One of the core functions of libraries is to provide access to information, and this aligns closely with SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), which emphasizes access to justice and information. Libraries can leverage their resources, technology, and expertise to ensure equitable access to information related to the SDGs. By curating collections, organizing workshops, and offering digital resources on topics such as sustainable development, social justice, and responsible consumption, libraries empower individuals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and take action.
Measuring Impact and Reporting
Libraries can leverage the SDGs as a framework for measuring their own impact and reporting on their contributions to sustainable development. By adopting relevant indicators and data collection methods, libraries can assess their progress, identify gaps, and refine their strategies accordingly. This information can be used to inform stakeholders, demonstrate the library's value, and attract support and funding for future initiatives.
Conclusion
Libraries have a unique opportunity to leverage the SDGs for transformation and make a significant impact on their communities. By aligning strategies, raising awareness, supporting local action, fostering partnerships, [End Page 597] promoting access to information, and measuring impact, libraries can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs while simultaneously fulfilling their core mission as knowledge and community centers. As libraries embrace the SDGs, they become powerful catalysts for positive change, driving transformation and fostering sustainable development at the grassroots level.
Challenges and Opportunities in Aligning Libraries with SDGS
Aligning libraries with the SDGs presents both challenges and opportunities. While the alignment can bring about transformative benefits and wider acknowledgement by stakeholders of the importance of libraries, it is important to recognize and address the potential obstacles that libraries may encounter. The following overview shall give guidance for libraries that are starting with specific actions to support the SDGs and shall be supportive to explore some of the challenges and opportunities in aligning libraries with the SDGs.
Challenges
Awareness and understanding
One of the initial challenges is ensuring that library staff and stakeholders have a clear understanding of the SDGs and their interdependence with library work. Libraries may need to invest in training and capacity-building initiatives to familiarize their teams with the goals and their connections to library services. The crucial factor is the staff—they are the ambassadors for the SDGs. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to convince and engage at least a critical mass of the staff for the SDGs.
Resource constraints
Libraries very often are facing limitations in terms of financial resources, staff capacity, and infrastructure. Aligning with the SDGs may require additional resources to develop and implement programs, conduct research, and measure impact. Securing sustainable funding by promoting convincing concepts and telling convincing SDG-stories about the attained or attainable impact can help to secure additional funding. Finding partnerships can be a good tactic as well to overcome resource constraints.
Data collection and measurement
Tracking progress and demonstrating the library's impact on the SDGs may pose challenges in terms of data collection, monitoring, and reporting. Libraries need to develop robust data collection systems and measurement frameworks to effectively capture and analyze relevant data. Additionally, it is always helpful to be ready to present the public and the stakeholders with impressive stories about the impact from the activities related to the SDGs.
Local contextualization
The SDGs are global goals, but their implementation requires tailoring to local contexts. Libraries need to firstly explore [End Page 598] and then to consider the specific needs and priorities of their communities, ensuring that their initiatives are relevant and responsive to local challenges and opportunities. This requires a permanent monitoring of the political and societal environment.
Opportunities
Community engagement
The SDGs provide a framework for libraries to actively engage in many ways with their communities, fostering collaboration and dialogue. Libraries can leverage the SDGs as a platform to connect with community members, understand their needs, and cocreate initiatives that address local challenges.
Partnerships and collaboration
The SDGs encourage multistakeholder partnerships, offering libraries opportunities to collaborate with other organizations, such as government agencies, NGOs, educational institutions, and businesses. Such partnerships can bring in additional expertise, resources, and support for joint initiatives.
Increased relevance and impact
Aligning with the SDGs positions libraries as key actors in sustainable development, enhancing their relevance and impact in their communities. By focusing on priority areas outlined in the SDGs, libraries can address pressing issues and contribute to positive social, economic, and environmental outcomes.
Awareness building
Libraries have the opportunity to raise awareness and advocate for the SDGs. They can educate their communities about the goals, organize events, and facilitate discussions to promote understanding and encourage local action toward sustainable development.
Innovation and best practices
Aligning with the SDGs encourages libraries to explore innovative approaches and share best practices with the broader library community. This fosters knowledge exchange, learning, and continuous improvement within the library profession.
Advocacy for libraries
By aligning their advocacy efforts with the SDGs, libraries can strengthen their position as key players in sustainable development and emphasize their crucial role in advancing education, information access, and community empowerment. Libraries can launch targeted advocacy campaigns and other activities focused on specific SDGs or related issues. These campaigns can involve community engagement, media outreach, and social media campaigns to generate public support and raise the visibility of libraries' contributions to sustainable development.
Conclusion
While there may be challenges in aligning libraries with the SDGs, the opportunities for positive change and community impact are significant. By overcoming challenges such as awareness, resource constraints, data collection, and contextualization, libraries can leverage the SDGs to enhance [End Page 599] their relevance, engage their communities, foster partnerships, and advocate for sustainable development. Embracing the SDGs can contribute to a meaningful and successful transformation of libraries to be sustainable for the future themselves. And of course, the adoption of the SDGs as a framework for strategy and action presents libraries with a unique opportunity to contribute to the global agenda and make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Therefore, my Presidential Theme, Libraries Building a Sustainable Future, shall also in the future be interpreted in two directions: Libraries are contributing to a sustainable future AND by doing this they are also contributing to their own sustainability.
Barbara Lison was president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) 2021–2023 and was the director of Bremen Public Library from 1992 until 2023. She has been actively involved in German and European library associations and IFLA for many years. She has also held a number of senior positions in the European Bureau for Libraries, Archives and Documentation Associations (EBLIDA), including vice president. She remains particularly committed to library policy and the development of libraries for the future.