International Journal of Academic Research in Education and Review

Vol. 14(2), pp. 63-70, April 2026

ISSN: 2360-7866

https://doi.org/10.14662/ijarer2026125

 

Full Length Research

 

 

Green Library Development in the Digital Age: Issues, Challenges & Way Forward

 

1Dr. Olubiyo Peter Olubunmi and and 2Mr. Rabiu M. Sheji

 

University Library Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo State, Nigeria

Corresponding author’s E-mail: olubiyopeter@gmail.com  

Accepted 24 April 2026

Abstract

Abstract: The 21st century has seen the coming together of environmental crisis and digital transformation that forces institutions including libraries to rethink their core operating philosophies as well as physical locations. One of the most interesting answers of library profession to global climate emergency can be green library development, which is based on the principles of environmental sustainability, eco-friendly information infrastructure and responsible management of natural resources. The paper will discuss the concept, history, issues, relevance, challenges and strategic way forward of the green library development in the digital age. Based on the frameworks of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the sustainability agenda of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) and the core values of librarianship defined by the American Library Association (ALA), where sustainability became a component in 2019, the paper summarises the existing empirical evidence, institutional case studies, and statistical records to provide a comprehensive analysis of green This paper has established that green libraries have quantifiable environmental, economic and social advantages, but their implementation, especially in African and Nigerian regions, is limited due to lack of funding, bad policy implementation plans, lack of infrastructure and lack of awareness. Eco-design integration, migration of digital resources, adoption of renewable energy and professional capacity building are recommended strategies that are promoted to make university libraries green in a sustainable way.

 

Key Words: Green Library, Sustainability, Eco-Friendly Infrastructure, Digital Age, SDGs, IFLA, Library Development, Environmental Sustainability, Nigerian Libraries

Paper type: research