Chapter-11. Role of Libraries on Environmental Literacy: Challenges and Prospects
| dc.contributor.author | Ghosh, Oindrilla | |
| dc.contributor.author | Roy, Tilak Chandra | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-06-01T13:02:41Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-06-01T13:02:41Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Environmental degradation, climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable consumption patterns have emerged as critical global concerns. Environmental literacy has therefore become an essential competency for informed citizenship and sustainable development. Libraries, as democratic institutions of knowledge dissemination, lifelong learning, and community engagement, are uniquely positioned to promote environmental literacy among diverse user groups. This study examines the evolving role of libraries in fostering environmental literacy, with particular emphasis on the challenges they face and the prospects for strengthening their contributions. Adopting a document-based qualitative research methodology, the study analyzes international frameworks, policy documents, professional guidelines, institutional reports, and peer-reviewed literature related to environmental education, sustainability, and library services. The findings reveal that libraries contribute to environmental literacy through curated collections, information literacy programs, digital resources, community outreach, and advocacy for sustainable practices. However, several challenges—including limited funding, inadequate professional training, lack of policy integration, digital divides, and low public awareness—constrain their effectiveness. The paper argues that by reimagining library services through green librarianship, interdisciplinary collaboration, digital innovation, and policy support, libraries can play a transformative role in advancing environmental literacy and sustainable development goals. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for integrating environmental literacy into library planning, professional education, and national information policies. | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Ghosh, O., & Roy, T. C. (2026). Role of libraries on environmental literacy: Challenges and prospects. In G. Rajbanshi, F. Hossain, & S. Adhikary (Eds.), Contemporary aspects of environment, society, and livelihood (pp. 151–160). Shankhik Publication. | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://gbm.ndl.gov.in/handle/123456789/246 | |
| dc.publisher | Shankhik | |
| dc.subject | SOCIAL SCIENCES::Other social sciences::Library and information science | |
| dc.title | Chapter-11. Role of Libraries on Environmental Literacy: Challenges and Prospects | |
| dc.type | Book chapter |