GREEN LIBRARY INITIATIVES AND GREEN PRACTICES BY LIBRARY PERSONNEL IN RESEARCH LIBRARIES IN IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
This study examined the influence of green library initiatives on green practices by library personnel in research libraries in Ibadan, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design of correlational type was adopted. The population comprised 70 library personnel from four research libraries: Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), and Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).
Total enumeration sampling was employed, achieving 100% response rate. Data were collected using a self-structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's Product Moment Correlation.
Findings revealed moderately high engagement in green practices, with energy conservation (x̄ = 3.48) and water conservation (x̄ = 3.41) showing highest adoption. Green library initiatives were moderately implemented, led by water conservation initiatives (x̄ = 2.73) and digital resource promotion (x̄ = 2.72). Library personnel recognised multiple purposes for green initiatives, particularly creating healthier work environments (x̄ = 3.30) and supporting institutional missions (x̄ = 3.23). A positive relationship existed between green library initiatives and personnel green practices, with initiatives significantly increasing environmental awareness (x̄ = 3.17) and motivation for environmental advocacy (x̄ = 3.19). Major challenges included resistance to change (x̄ = 3.00), unreliable electricity supply (x̄ = 2.98), inadequate resources (x̄ = 2.97), and insufficient funding (x̄ = 2.77).
The study concluded that green library initiatives positively influence green practices adoption by library personnel, though implementation remains suboptimal due to resource, infrastructural, and organisational constraints. The study recommended developing comprehensive environmental sustainability policies, increasing funding, implementing systematic staff training, addressing infrastructure deficiencies, establishing recognition systems, and strengthening digital resource promotion. The study contributes empirical evidence on green library initiatives in Nigerian research libraries and provides a foundation for developing effective environmental sustainability programmes in similar contexts.
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