A Study on the Awareness of Green Library Concept: with Special Reference to Selected Library Professionals in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A global interest on green library concept has come into existence in libraries across the world as a current necessity. But a rapid green trend in the countries such as Sri Lanka is primitive. The level of the awareness on green concept has become a reason responsible for the current green environment in the university libraries in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to examine the awareness on green library concept among selected university library professionals in Sri Lanka. The study was conducted based on the research framework which consists of five criteria namely, library building, operations and practices, programmes and services, information systems and library collection. The Survey method was used to gather data from randomly selected 13 academics in university libraries in western Province. Conducting interviews were the main tool used for primary data collection and self-observation was supportive to verify the collected data. According to the data analysis, 100% of librarians have heard about green library concept. Only 36% of librarians were actually aware of green concept. The main source of awareness was web sites. 71% of librarians believes that the non – awareness affects green movements in their libraries. Therefore, it was evident that the awareness on green library concept and its applications is not in a satisfactory level among the academics in university libraries. Hence, the most suitable and the very first action to be taken by the side of libraries or mother institution should be conducting awareness programmes.