Green Library: A Strategic Approach to Sustainable Development (The Case of Green Library in the Libraries of Astan Quds Razavi)

Libraries are information centers that are considered as essential elements of sustainable development and in this direction, they are evolving to respond to information needs and create a dynamic and sustainable society. The present study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the components of the green library in the libraries of Astan Quds Razavi.

The current research is of an applied type using a survey-descriptive method. The statistical population of 201 officials and experts of the Astan Quds Razavi Libraries, Museums and Documentation Center includes the central library and 59 affiliated libraries, and the data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire. SPSS software was used to analyze the findings.

It showed that the condition of the library building and equipment is at an average level with an average of 2.75 and is not in a good condition. The status of green management and planning in Astan Quds library is at a favorable level with an average of 3.48 and the status of education, awareness and culturalization of environmental issues to the community and employees in Astan Quds library is at a favorable level with an average of 3.49 and 3.45 respectively.

The results of the current research make libraries aware of the current situation. Libraries can achieve sustainability by adopting green building designs, green practices, literacy programs, and the use of green technologies. Considering that libraries are an important platform for achieving sustainable development and creating green culture and thinking in the society, they should be the focus of the green movement. Hence, libraries can continuously expand their programs and serve as role models for an environmentally friendly and sustainable environment. Libraries should move towards offering their information resources as green goods; that is, resources that take care of the environment and nature by saving energy, resources, or reducing and eliminating the use of toxic agents, pollution, and waste, or improving its condition, and are green consumers themselves. And, those who support businesses are using environmentally friendly practices. The library should form a green committee and take steps to increase green practices. This committee can also convey green awareness to other library staff and users. To create an environmentally friendly library, staff and users must be aware of the necessity of a balanced environment. In this regard, considering the important role and mission of libraries in educating the society, librarians should participate in preserving the environment with creativity and innovation.