Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal
ISSN: 0143-5124
Article publication date: 5 July 2022
Issue publication date: 17 October 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative research approach and descriptive case study design. This study focuses on academic libraries from four universities in Ghana. From each university, the researchers purposely selected four respondents, comprising the heads of the libraries, deputies, and two assistant librarians or library assistants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and document reviews. The results were analyzed and presented in descriptive and interpretive forms.
Findings
The study established that the majority of the library staff were aware of the sustainable development goal, SDG 4. The libraries provided relevant materials to support students’ learning, organize training on information literacy and engage library patrons in periodic information literacy programs to create awareness of the SDG 4. Since the libraries do not have their own internally developed policies on the SDG 4, they depend on the general United Nations (UN) document on the SDG and SDG 4 as a guide in information delivery; and the general policies on information delivery, teaching and quality assurance of the universities in general and the libraries in particular. The study concluded with a framework to guide the successful accomplishment of the SDG 4 in libraries.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on academic libraries in Ghana and adopted the purposive sampling technique which makes it assume a weak power of generalization.
Practical implications
The study has implications for academic libraries and librarians in Ghana in achieving the SDG 4. It will guide librarians and academic libraries in formulating policies to guide them in their activities. The framework developed as a result of the findings will equally guide the librarians in their quest to provide information to achieve the SDG 4.
Originality/value
This study's originality lies in its articulation of academic libraries' initiatives in the actualization of the SDG 4 in Ghana with a developed framework to guide librarians and academic libraries. Academic libraries and librarians who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of the SDG 4 will find this study useful.
Keywords
Citation
Dei, D.-G.J. and Asante, F.Y. (2022), "Role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a sustainable development goal", Library Management, Vol. 43 No. 6/7, pp. 439-459. https://doi.org/10.1108/LM-02-2022-0013
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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