New Report From IFLA: State of Library Engagement in Climate Communication and Education

From the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA): 

Building on our global climate survey, which collected input from nearly 600 library associations and individual institutions, this new publication offers a look at the scope of library involvement in climate education and communication.

Read the Complete Blog Post

From the Executive Summary

Key Findings

Prevalence of Sustainability Programming: Libraries report a higher frequency of sustainability compared to climate change programming.

Public Libraries Leading: Public libraries demonstrate significantly higher engagement in CCE compared to academic and school libraries, and while larger libraries tend to have higher engagement levels, the relationship is minimal, revealing that libraries of all sizes are contributing.

Resource Provision as Entry Point: Libraries may initiate CCE engagement by providing resources on climate change such as books and displays before progressing to more substantial engagement such as direct programming and community partnerships.

Importance of Partnerships: Collaborations with local governments, civil society organizations, and schools enhance libraries’ ability to offer effective CCE programming.

Infrastructure and Operations: Many libraries are greening their infrastructure and operations although support from library associations in this area has so far been limited.

In summary, libraries serve as essential partners in the global effort to address climate change. By leveraging their unique position as trusted community institutions, libraries can significantly contribute to raising awareness, fostering education, and promoting action on climate change and sustainability.

This report underscores the importance of recognizing and supporting the vital role of libraries in building a more sustainable and resilient future.

Recommendations

For Library Associations: Actively provide locally relevant, translated resources on climate change to libraries, support member libraries in greening their operations and infrastructure, and organize climate-related programming which includes member libraries.

For Individual Libraries: Develop partnerships with local governments, CSOs, and schools to expand CCE programming, utilize book collections and displays to initiate engagement, and focus on local climate change aspects to enhance community interest and impact.

For Local Policymakers: Recognize public and community libraries as valuable partners for reaching residents on climate and sustainability issues, leverage libraries to provide targeted resources and information, and engage with school and university libraries.

For National Policymakers: Collaborate with national libraries—which are among the most active types of libraries in climate and sustainability initiatives— partner with libraries to disseminate locally relevant climate change materials, and utilize libraries as community outreach centers for climate action.

Direct to Key Findings and Executive Summary
4 pages; PDF.

Direct to Full Text Report
46 pages; PDF

Filed under: Associations and Organizations, Libraries, News, Public Libraries, School Libraries