Libraries at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Date of this Version
Summer 3-18-2024
Document Type
Article
Abstract
The issues like natural resource scarcity, climate change, pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, global warming and reduction of the ozone layer have made people compelled for demanding to live in green environment. Librarians, especially rendering their services in public libraries are known as a bridge between information and its seekers. They have great influencer in the society to bring awareness among the people about the importance of green living and making the environment human friendly. In the light of the same the current study has been conducted to investigate current green practices of libraries in the Balochistan province and also to investigate the strategies that the public libraries have adopted for educating their users about environmental sustainability and green living, while making them more environmentally literate. The data for this study was collected using a qualitative approach, specifically in-depth interviews, from a sample of 10 public librarians within the province. The researchers employed a systematic sampling technique to gather information from library professionals regarding the concept of green libraries. The study's findings indicated that the majority of library staff were not familiar with the terms related to green libraries. Furthermore, none of the public libraries within the province were found to be green. However, one participant from Quaid-i-Azam public library, Quetta had devised a strategy to promote green information literacy among their users. The results also revealed that library professionals are currently lacking in the knowledge to educate users on affordable green living practices, highlighting the need for improved awareness and training in this area. To address these gaps, it is suggested to incorporate green information literacy, green living, and environmental sustainability programs into library future plans. Moreover, the library professionals should collaborate with sustainable library partners who could give awareness to the library professionals about eco-friendly living and environmental sustainability and then the library professionals will be able to literate their users about green libraries and its importance in the current age.