Global Journal of Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Incorporation of Egyptian Rural Public Libraries and Sustainable Development

Nadeem Altaf^* Department of Library Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, China
^*Correspondence: Nadeem Altaf, Department of Library Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, China, Email:

Received: 14-Nov-2022, Manuscript No. GJISS-22-18762; Editor assigned: 17-Nov-2022, Pre QC No. GJISS-22-18762(PQ); Reviewed: 02-Dec-2022, QC No. GJISS-22-18762; Revised: 09-Dec-2022, Manuscript No. GJISS-22-18762(R); Published: 16-Dec-2022, DOI: 10.35248/2319-8834.11.036

Description

The main goal of this study is to examine how Egyptian rural public libraries could contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in accordance with the UN Agenda for 2030 as one of the social agents for development [1]. During the months of September to November 2017, a multifaceted research technique was used to address the study's goals and questions. The study used a qualitative approach that included in-person interviews, group discussions, group meetings that were observed, and document analysis to look into how community development programmes and services were implemented in 34 rural public libraries that represented Egypt's four main administrative regions. It has been suggested how Egyptian rural public libraries may incorporate and achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals [2]. The difficulties libraries face in providing information—poor infrastructure, inappropriate collections, facilities, and services, high rates of illiteracy, a lack of funding and collaboration between related agencies, inadequate training of library and information professionals, a dearth of studies and surveys, as well as analyses of the information needs of rural communities—have also been highlighted. According to the study's findings, Egyptian rural public libraries have had a difficult time being included in the UN Agenda for the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. In light of the similar economic, political, and social elements and situations, they have made every effort to fit in and adapt to the neighborhood [3]. Despite these obstacles, these libraries responded well, which can be described as fairly encouraging but insufficient for achieving these objectives.

The main goal of this study is to examine how Egyptian rural public libraries could contribute to social development and the achievement of the SDGs as outlined in the UN 2030 Agenda [4]. The study will investigate the priorities, approaches to be taken in order to achieve the SGDs, and potential obstacles associated with them as perceived by librarians and information professionals [5]. The results of this study may aid professionals and members of the public in properly comprehending the crucial contributions they make to achieving the SDGs.

Conclusion

The term "sustainable development" and its related topics were first introduced in the World Conservation Strategy (WCS) that the World Conservation Union published in 1980 (Since then, many people, organizations, and institutions, including libraries and information centers around the globe, have expressed concern about them. At the moment, this subject has elevated in importance across all levels. Any kind of library, regardless of its ideology, can serve as a platform for the practice of cultural and enlightenment activities while also serving as an essential and fundamental tool for community development. Libraries are trusted community organizations, which makes them perfect locations for incorporating green technology that aids in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were enacted in 2015. The SDGs become effective on January 1, 2016. As they outline the UN's sustainable development agenda for the following 15 years, these 17 objectives—also known as the 2030 Agenda—include eradicating poverty, advancing development worldwide, particularly in developing nations, strengthening the role of education, achieving security and peace, and more.

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