The Role of the Library in Actualising United Nation Sustainable Development Goals in South Africa

Abstract

This chapter critically reflects on the potential roles of South African libraries in facilitating the actualisation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). The implemented UN 2030 Agenda is all-encompassing, facilitating financial, environmental, and communal growth. The attainment of these SDGs will be via an inclusive agenda, leaving no-one behind. Libraries are major institutions that could assist universities to achieve the SDGs by playing a critical role in research and education. The society that is privileged to have unlimited, but controlled access to information will do well in eliminating inequity, in developing sustainable strategies for food security, in adopting quality inclusive education, and in supporting public health. In addition, the society will place more value on research and innovations. To achieve the purpose of this study, a critical review of literature was conducted. Therefore, this chapter highlights some expectations of librarians during this era of knowledge economy. It also highlights possible challenges that libraries could be facing in meeting such expectations due to the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, this chapter emphasises the significance of the government's partnerships and national support to realise the inclusion of access to information, and individual access to information and communication technology in the UN 2030 Agenda. Additionally, suggestions on how the government can support libraries in meeting its expectations towards attaining the SDGs, are recommended. Conclusively, effective partnerships have become a crucial part of library management in the attainment of the SDGs.