Practices Pertaining to Sustainable Development Goals in University Libraries of Sri Lanka: An Exploratory Study

Sustainable development, embodied in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is a global obligation. University libraries are crucial in advancing these goals by disseminating knowledge, fostering sustainability, and promoting inclusive practices. This study uses a survey conducted through interviews to explore the practices, strategies, and challenges faced by university libraries in Sri Lanka in aligning with the SDGs. It surveyed SDG practices under five key themes. Sri Lankan university libraries strongly commit to the SDGs through their initiatives in these areas. However, compared to global practices such as seed libraries, zero-waste initiatives recycling projects, sustainable landscaping, rainwater harvesting and financial literacy programs, the scale of their activities remains more localized. Financial constraints, limited resources, and lack of awareness pose common barriers. The study demonstrates that Sri Lankan libraries are good at translating global SDG goals into actionable local initiatives, emphasizing the importance of the context. These libraries provide invaluable insights for other institutions. Future directions include expanding collaborations, enhancing public engagement, and embracing emerging technologies to further the SDG agenda.