This study investigates academic librarians' awareness of and attitudes toward green library practices, technologies and theoretical frameworks. It aims to develop and validate a survey instrument capable of measuring these constructs among academic library employees across the United States.
A quantitative survey design was employed. The instrument consisted of seven demographic questions and eleven Likert-scale items. Data were collected from 108 academic librarians via Qualtrics. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted to identify the latent structure of the scale, supported by reliability analysis, correlation analysis and known-groups validity testing using independent-samples t-tests and one-way ANOVAs.
EFA revealed a two-factor structure – awareness and perceptions – accounting for 63% of total variance. The awareness subscale demonstrated excellent internal consistency (a = 0.917) and the perceptions subscale showed acceptable reliability (a = 0.731). Librarians expressed strong support for sustainability values, particularly regarding libraries as environmental role models and providers of green information literacy. However, familiarity with green ICT, sustainability theories and technical systems was notably lower. No statistically significant differences were found across any demographic variables.
The sample consists of self-selected participants recruited through professional networks, which may overrepresent librarians with existing interest in sustainability. Future research should examine organizational variables such as institutional sustainability policies and training availability as potential predictors of awareness.
Libraries and LIS programs should invest in structured professional development opportunities addressing green ICT, sustainable building systems and theoretical frameworks. Institutions are encouraged to improve internal communication around existing sustainability initiatives to foster greater staff engagement.
As libraries increasingly serve as community resilience hubs during climate-related emergencies, staff awareness of sustainable systems is essential not only for environmental responsibility but also for effective disaster preparedness and community support.
This study presents one of the first validated survey instruments designed to measure sustainability awareness and perceptions as distinct constructs among academic librarians in the USA. The findings reveal a profession-wide gap between sustainability values and technical knowledge, with implications for LIS education, professional development and institutional planning.
