Awareness and Attitudes Toward Green Library Practices: Implications for Sustainability Integration in Academic Libraries

Abstract

As climate change intensifies, academic libraries are expected to model and advance sustainability, yet librarians’ readiness to do so is not well understood. This study reports findings from a survey of 108 academic librarians in the United States examining their awareness and perceptions of green library initiatives. Using an exploratory factor analysis, the survey instrument was found to assess two distinct constructs: awareness of green technologies, systems, and theoretical frameworks, and perceptions of libraries’ role in environmental sustainability. Results reveal strong support among librarians for sustainability values, including the view that libraries should serve as environmental role models and promote green information literacy, but reveal comparatively limited familiarity with green ICT, energy conservation programs, and the conceptual frameworks underlying green librarianship. No statistically significant differences in awareness or perceptions were found across demographic groups. We discuss implications for professional development, LIS education, and institutional planning, offering a transferable framework to help build climate-informed, sustainable academic libraries.