Green Practices in Public University Libraries in Oyo State: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

The role of university libraries in actualising sustainable development goals (SDGs) cannot be over-emphasised. It is not out of point to say that the achievement of most of the SDGs could be facilitated by library and its practices. In the area of sustainable environment, libraries that observe green practices can enhance and facilitate the achievement of the 13th goal of the SDGs. The extent at which university library incorporates green culture can determine or aid library work environment, information service delivery and the university environmental sustainability in general. The paper investigates green practices in university libraries. It adopted descriptive research design. Three research questions guided the study, while all four public universities in Oyo State were enumerated. The entire 128 library staff were enumerated. The instrument used was titled “‘Green Practices, Challenges and Prospects’ Questionnaire (GPCPQ)” with 0.75 reliability coefficient. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the extent of green practices in public university libraries is high (x= 3.51). Similarly, the prevailing challenges militating against effective green practices is high (x= 3.56). Nevertheless, the prospects for green practices is high (x= 3.52) in public university libraries in Oyo State. Based on the findings, the study recommended that university libraries should work on the challenges, which militate green practices. These include: adequate funding, continuously training and awareness creation on green, formulation of policy and guidelines on green implementation, provision of incentives to library staff and encouragement of collaboration with environmental organisations.