17. Information Dissemination is Not Enough
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Onan Mulumba
Abstract
The major role of most libraries is to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate information. However, this routine demotivates many librarians who have the potential and enthusiasm to make an impact on national development. Climate change is one of the most challenging global occurrences. It greatly affects many developmental activities such as agriculture, on which over 80% of Uganda’s population thrives. The aim of this paper is to assess and recommend innovative ways through which librarians can practically participate in the mitigation of climate change effects in the country in addition to information dissemination. The study used a cross-sectional survey of librarians in Uganda and realised a response rate of 95.5%, with most respondents from academic institutions and their primary role mainly (83.7%) as librarians. It was established that the majority (55.8%) was aware of the 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also observed was that air pollution, toxic pollutants and deforestation are the key causes of environmental degradation in Uganda. Librarians should be repositioned to promote products and services which assist in reducing waste as well as promoting awareness campaigns for waste reduction and education. This initiative, however, is expected to be affected by challenges such as poverty and the subsistence needs of the communities as well as conflicting priorities of the people and government.
Abstract
The major role of most libraries is to collect, process, store, retrieve and disseminate information. However, this routine demotivates many librarians who have the potential and enthusiasm to make an impact on national development. Climate change is one of the most challenging global occurrences. It greatly affects many developmental activities such as agriculture, on which over 80% of Uganda’s population thrives. The aim of this paper is to assess and recommend innovative ways through which librarians can practically participate in the mitigation of climate change effects in the country in addition to information dissemination. The study used a cross-sectional survey of librarians in Uganda and realised a response rate of 95.5%, with most respondents from academic institutions and their primary role mainly (83.7%) as librarians. It was established that the majority (55.8%) was aware of the 2030 United Nations (UN) Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Also observed was that air pollution, toxic pollutants and deforestation are the key causes of environmental degradation in Uganda. Librarians should be repositioned to promote products and services which assist in reducing waste as well as promoting awareness campaigns for waste reduction and education. This initiative, however, is expected to be affected by challenges such as poverty and the subsistence needs of the communities as well as conflicting priorities of the people and government.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- About IFLA IX
- Preface 1
-
Part 1: General
- 1. A Garden on the Roof Doesn’t Make a Library Green 5
- 2. Libraries Sow the Seed of a Sustainable Society 22
- 3. Contemplative Pedagogy 32
- 4. Public Libraries’ Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals 46
- 5. Environmental Responsibility in Brazilian Libraries 60
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Part 2: Public Libraries
- 6. The Green Corner at Vaggeryd Public Library 77
- 7. Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impact 86
- 8. The BookboXX 94
- 9. Garbage Hero 103
- 10. From a Green Library to a Sustainable Library 110
- 11. Urban Gardening, Foodsharing and Makerspaces 122
- 12. Green Library of the Neighbourhood 135
- 13. The Green Story of the Public Library Užice, Serbia 142
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Part 3: Academic Libraries
- 14. More Than Just a Green Building 155
- 15. The Awareness of Young African Students to Protection of the Environment 173
- 16. Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing a Sustainable Approach at Academic Libraries 181
- 17. Information Dissemination is Not Enough 197
- 18. Going Green to Embrace Aesthetic Reflections and Sustainable Library Buildings 210
-
Appendix
- Abbreviations 229
- Contributors 232
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Contents V
- About IFLA IX
- Preface 1
-
Part 1: General
- 1. A Garden on the Roof Doesn’t Make a Library Green 5
- 2. Libraries Sow the Seed of a Sustainable Society 22
- 3. Contemplative Pedagogy 32
- 4. Public Libraries’ Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals 46
- 5. Environmental Responsibility in Brazilian Libraries 60
-
Part 2: Public Libraries
- 6. The Green Corner at Vaggeryd Public Library 77
- 7. Action to Combat Climate Change and its Impact 86
- 8. The BookboXX 94
- 9. Garbage Hero 103
- 10. From a Green Library to a Sustainable Library 110
- 11. Urban Gardening, Foodsharing and Makerspaces 122
- 12. Green Library of the Neighbourhood 135
- 13. The Green Story of the Public Library Užice, Serbia 142
-
Part 3: Academic Libraries
- 14. More Than Just a Green Building 155
- 15. The Awareness of Young African Students to Protection of the Environment 173
- 16. Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing a Sustainable Approach at Academic Libraries 181
- 17. Information Dissemination is Not Enough 197
- 18. Going Green to Embrace Aesthetic Reflections and Sustainable Library Buildings 210
-
Appendix
- Abbreviations 229
- Contributors 232
