THE ROLE OF GREEN LIBRARY PRACTICES IN OUR LIBRARIES AND THE IMPACTS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper gave a theoretical background of the role of green library practices in our libraries and the impacts of sustainable development in Nigeria, examining the concept of green library, the benefit of green buildings, the importance of green buildings in our environment, also noting the impacts that green building have in our community and outlining the challenges that green building initiative will bring to our community. This paper brings to light the things and activities librarians and other organizations should engage in to bring about a conducive environment. The paper also stressed the fact that awareness should be created in the area of green practices, and librarians should play the role of advocacy in the society preaching to the people the need to embrace eco-friendly practices that will bring about sustainable development in our society. This paper equally, highlights the profound impact of traditional library operations on the environment and underscores the need for immediate and comprehensive action. Formulating and implementing information policies designed to bring about green practices which will act as essential guidelines for libraries and librarians to follow. The paper also outlined some  challenges like limited awareness, funding constraints, and infrastructure limitations and many more exist, however, there are potential solutions that offers a pathway to surmount these obstacles.  Thus, the paper suggested among others that, the Government of Nigeria should introduce environmentally friendly library structures, facilities, services, and embrace eco-friendly practices within the library in order to bring about sustainable development.