Exploring Green Libraries: Sustainable Practices, Challenges, and Prospects in the Global Context

Authors

  • Sonal Jain
     IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur – 302020, Rajasthan
  • Vinay Singh Kashyap
     College of Agriculture, Navgaon, Alwar – 301025, Rajasthan
  • Charu Jhamaria
     IIS (Deemed to be University), Jaipur – 302020, Rajasthan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17821/srels/2025/v62i5/171730

Keywords:

Green Initiatives, Green Libraries, Green Library Designs, Green Library Movement, Sustainable Development

Abstract

This research investigates the evolution, implementation, and challenges of green libraries, focusing on sustainable practices in library design and operations. A mixed-methods approach that combines a comprehensive literature review of the work related to green libraries has been employed. The study examines both global and local green library trends, identifies implementation barriers, and proposes evidence-based strategies for enhancing sustainability within library systems. The findings reveal a pronounced disparity in green library adoption: while developed nations have extensively integrated green building practices and sustainable operations into their library systems, libraries in India—particularly those in urban centres—are in the early stages of adopting green initiatives. However, these institutions face many obstacles, including financial constraints, inadequate infrastructure, and limited policy frameworks supporting sustainable development. The study concludes by offering practical, context-specific recommendations designed to advance library sustainability initiatives. These recommendations align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), providing a framework for libraries to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability objectives while addressing local implementation challenges.

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Published

2025-10-07

How to Cite

Jain, S., Kashyap, V. S., & Jhamaria, C. (2025). Exploring Green Libraries: Sustainable Practices, Challenges, and Prospects in the Global Context. Journal of Information and Knowledge, 62(5), 329–339. https://doi.org/10.17821/srels/2025/v62i5/171730

Issue

Volume 62, Issue 5, October 2025

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Journal of Information and Knowledge

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All the articles published in Journal of Information and Knowledge are held by the Publisher. Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library Science (SRELS), as a publisher requires its authors to transfer the copyright prior to publication. This will permit SRELS to reproduce, publish, distribute and archive the article in print and electronic form and also to defend against any improper use of the article.

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