United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Study 2021
Findings from the 2020 OCLC Global Council Survey
By OCLC
Libraries bring unique strengths and collective strength to global sustainability challenges. To inspire more conversations, expanded engagement, and action that leads to impact, OCLC Global Council set its FY21 area of focus on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
OCLC Global Council, in conjunction with OCLC Research and Market Research teams, surveyed librarians around the world on their awareness of the SDGs and how their libraries can and do contribute to the goals. This publication provides an overview of the findings from this global survey. One of the key takeaways from more than 1,700 respondents in 99 countries: is that libraries are contributing to all 17 of the SDGs in some way—either explicitly or implicitly. Library workers see themselves and their libraries playing a large role and having the biggest impact on the following SDGs: Quality Education (SDG 4), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11) and Gender Equality (SDG 5).
On-demand webinars
11 May 2021
Sustainable development goals: Insights and inspiration
Sustainable development and libraries: Global goals, collective action
09 March 2021
Public library work meets sustainable development
Sustainable development and libraries: Global goals, collective action
09 February 2021
Academic library work meets sustainable development
Sustainable development and libraries: Global goals, collective action
08 December 2020
Start on your sustainability goals today
Sustainable development and libraries: Global goals, collective action
17 November 2020
Libraries and sustainability: A global perspective
Sustainable development and libraries: Global goals, collective action
OCLC, Inc. 2021. United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Study 2021: Findings from the 2020 OCLC Global Council Survey. Dublin, OH: OCLC, Inc. https://doi.org/10.25333/6jr4-cc46.
Short URL: oc.lc/sdg
Blog Post
Connecting your library’s actions to global challenges: How do you stand up?
By Christina Rodriques
09 September 2021