Green Library Initiatives in Medical Universities of Sindh: A Study of Current Practices and Challenges

Abstract

This study was aimed at the knowledge of green library projects at the medical universities in Sindh province where the current activities levels were surveyed and also on the availability of implementation obstacles. Data was gathered using the mixed-methodology research design targeting 10 medical universities by querying them through structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews that included direct observations. It was found that although there were fundamental energy-saving steps embraced by 60 per cent of medical universities libraries, there were few comprehensive green efforts. The use of digital resources demonstrated a high level of improvement by having 80 percent of libraries carrying out electronic databases and digital collections. But shortage of funds (90 percent of institutions), skilled individuals (70 percent) and institutional support (60 percent) were the serious problems. The libraries with formal sustainability policies were scarce (30 percent) and reduction of the waste program only found in 40 percent of the institutions. The researchers observed that publicly funded universities had smaller green practice compared to those that are privately funded and the main obstacle was the scarcity of resources. Seventy percent of the libraries had energy-efficient lighting systems and only 20 percent of the institutions used renewable sources of energy. The level of staff awareness on green practices was moderate as 65 percent of the library personnel had basic knowledge of concepts of sustainability. The study finds that although medical university libraries in Sindh have started implementing some green initiatives, a formal implementation process will need better institutional backing, clear funding market and in-depth training courses to have a significant measure in environmental sustainability.