Digital Libraries and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Review Study with Case Studies from Academic Libraries

Abstract

Digital libraries are now key elements of academic ecosystems through access to scholarly information, facilitating research, and inclusive education. As academic institutions move towards adopting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) there is a growing expectation that they will ensure their digital infrastructure and knowledge services are aligned to global sustainability goals. The academic libraries, especially the digital library services, are well-positioned to add to this alignment. This is a review-based research paper that explores how digital libraries lead to the development of the specific SDGs, namely SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The research methodology will be based on a qualitative review of second-hand data synthesis of the information on the peer-reviewed literature, policy documents, and practices of the digital libraries of academic institutions. The review emphasizes the way in which the digital library services, including the open access platforms, institutional repositories, digital literacy practices, and green digital practices can help in equitable education, minimize the information inequality, and contribute indirectly towards environmental sustainability. To enhance practical usefulness, the paper introduces the cases of the exemplary digital library projects on the basis of which the SDG alignment in the academic setting can be observed in real-life. The results show that digital libraries perceive high-quality education and decreased inequalities, and digital interaction with climate action is being developed, but disproportionately across regions. Continuous problems include the existence of digital divides, infrastructural barriers, unified criteria of sustainability, and the insufficient understanding of SDG integration by library professionals. To sum up, the paper has highlighted the necessity of strategic planning, integration of policies, and collaborative frameworks to increase the role of digital libraries in sustainable development in higher education.