Promoting Information Literacy for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of University Libraries in Bangladesh

Abstract

The study examines the role of Information Literacy (IL) activities in university libraries of Bangladesh in association with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The study adopted a quantitative research approach using two structured questionnaires, one for library professionals and another for library users. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS software. To complement the quantitative findings, responses to a few open-ended questions were subjected to thematic analysis, offering deeper insights. Additionally, a systematic literature review followed the PRISMA standard to support the study’s context and theoretical foundation. Cronbach’s Alpha (α = .863) and Factor Analysis (with a KMO value of .872) confirmed the validity, reliability, and internal consistency of the questionnaire. The research investigates the existing condition of IL initiatives, their alliance with SDGs, and the strategic, institutional, societal, and technical factors prompting IL application. Guided by six hypotheses, the research assesses the current status, relationship, key factors, user perspectives, impact, and challenges of IL activities through quantitative data collected from 167 librarians and 439 library users. Descriptive statistics reveal a positive impact of IL programs and a strong belief in the relevance of IL for societal development. ANOVA and correlation analyses confirm significant relationships between IL promotion and SDG progress, particularly in areas of user satisfaction, IL impact, and institutional challenges. Despite the positive outcomes, gaps persist in awareness and standardized practices across institutions. The findings highlight the need for strategic policy alignment, standardized IL frameworks, and stronger institutional support to enhance the contribution of university libraries toward the SDGs in Bangladesh. The study also finds significant differences in user awareness and satisfaction level with IL facilities across university and user categories. The ANOVA outcomes confirmed substantial differences in IL awareness and satisfaction among user categories (F = 6.23, p = 0.002), with faculty members scoring higher on average than students and researchers. The attempt contributes to the hypothetical and practical knowledge of IL’s role in sustainable expansion by ensuring policy endorsements, best practices, and an outline for incorporating IL into university curricula. It highlights the necessity of academic support, capacity building for library professionals, and amplified relationships in the x national and international arenas. The outcomes offer valuable insights for university authorities, policymakers, and library administrators seeking to control IL for educational impartiality and durable growth in Bangladesh.