Higher Education Institution Libraries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Case Study of Higher Education Institution Libraries in Eastern Thailand

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a topic of significant interest across various sectors, including higher education institutions, due to their relevance to our way of life in the economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Currently, the SDGs are integrated into policies and plans at all levels, from individual organizations to national strategies. Higher education institution libraries play a critical role in gathering and disseminating knowledge, as well as organizing activities that contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. This research aims to explore the role of higher education institution libraries, in the eastern part of Thailand, in responding to the SDGs by analyzing key issues related to three main dimensions: 1) librarians’ understanding of the SDGs, 2) the alignment of library policies, operational plans, and activities/projects with the SDGs, and 3) the challenges and obstacles to library operations in responding to the SDGs. 

Methods: This research employs a mixed-method approach to collect data from four higher education institution libraries in the eastern region. The samplings are five library executives and 24 librarians utilizing two primary methods: 1) quantitative data collection through a knowledge assessment test on the SDGs for librarians, and a questionnaire regarding the alignment of library activities/projects with the SDGs; and 2) qualitative data collection through interviews with higher education institution library administrators concerning policies aimed at driving the library’s efforts toward achieving the SDGs. 

Results: The research findings indicate that higher education institution librarians in the eastern region possess a good level of basic knowledge and understanding of the SDGs. Higher education institution libraries play a central role in collecting and disseminating knowledge and information resources related to the SDGs. Regarding the obstacles and challenges faced by the libraries, these can be categorized into four key areas: 1) budget constraints for SDG-related activities, 2) librarians’ confidence in the design of activities/projects that can be aligned with the SDGs, 3) the development of library strategic plans that align with the SDGs, and 4) the search for collaborative networks to ensure that library operations are in line with the SDGs. 

Application of this study: All types of libraries can utilize the findings of this research as a starting point for a comprehensive understanding of the SDGs at all levels, from administration to operational staff. Each library administrator can review his/her roles and responsibilities and do the planning of library development by integrating the SDG-related issues into the strategic issues. This includes strategic and operational approaches ranging from policy formulation to practical implementation, enabling libraries to concretely contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. 

Conclusions: The SDGs are a crucial issue that significantly impacts the well-being of the global population across multiple dimensions. As key institutions in human resource development, higher education institution libraries play a vital role in advancing the achievement of these goals. However, to effectively contribute to this endeavor, higher education institution libraries require clear and substantial support from institutional administrators to establish a strong foundation for sustainable operations in the future.