The Landscapes of Sustainability in the Library and Information Science: Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

In times of real threats to the continuity of the human civilization resulting from environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, overpopulation, and other adverse factors, the issue of sustainable development is the subject of interest of many scientific disciplines. As a leading objective of this paper, the authors take up the topic of sustainable development seen through the lenses of the library and information science, which is considered with special attention paid to its economic, social, environmental, and cultural dimensions. In addition to reviewing the most important literature, the authors also explore the subject matter from a quantitative perspective. As a result of the research, the authors identify the key areas that affect libraries as cultural and scientific institutions, in which work related to the sustainability concept is actively carried out. Quantitative research allowed to determine the proportions of efforts made by scientists within the previously selected areas, and to outline trends observed within those areas—that is, to identify which areas have recently been gaining importance, and which may have ceased to be exploited. The authors hope that the research results not only shed light on the landscape of world science in the subject matter, but above all, that they support contemporary researches of these fields by identifying potentially the most important works influencing the shape of particular research areas, and the identification of current trends, which are present within the mentioned areas as well. Further research directions, which are potentially worth undertaking, are also emphasized.

The Landscapes of Sustainability in the Library and Information Science: Collaboration Insights

“…Sustainability ideas, and sustainabledevelopment issues, have since also found their place in this particular field of study and infiltrated it, reaching the core of its research objectives, directions, and objects of interest. The range and shape of these processes were comprehensively summarized by the authors of the present article in their previous paper [2]. They indicated several main research topics which are commonly tackled by LIS specialists in their publications, and which are strictly connected to sustainability dilemmas.…”

An Evaluation of the Transition from Linear Economy to Circular Economy

“…In the same sense as today's literature, the term "sustainability" itself was used for the very first time in 1953 by JL. Fisher [14,15]. However, as an original idea "limits to growth", which underlies the whole concept of sustainability and sustainable development, and which would later take the form of the contemporarily well-known multidimensional sustainability idea, was expressed much earlier by Malthus's population growth theory, in the end of the 18th century.…”

“…The present and modern understanding of this concept have been though fully and explicitly articulated for the first time in 1987, within the frame of the so-called Brundtland Report on Sustainable Development, which is sometimes termed shortly "Our Common Future". As the term sustainability is considered not only a scientific idea, but a moral value, a normative goal based on this value, and a pathway for the international policy or social movements as well [15]. Generally in its most widespread perception, sustainability is defined as "a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs" [9].…”

Transitioning Towards Sustainability: The Information Practices of Sustainable Food Consumers

“…Information will play an essential role in the transition toward a sustainable future (Kamińska et al, 2022). Sustainability research in library and information science (LIS) mainly focuses on reducing the energy consumption or carbon emissions in library and information systems, such as sustainable library buildings, collections, digital services, green Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (Kamińska et al, 2022). However, sustainability in everyday life from the human-centered information behavior or information practice (IB/IP) perspective has been understudied.…”

“…Sustainability and sustainable development have drawn increased attention in various disciplines over the past few decades (Schoolman et al, 2012). Information will play an essential role in the transition toward a sustainable future (Kamińska et al, 2022). Sustainability research in library and information science (LIS) mainly focuses on reducing the energy consumption or carbon emissions in library and information systems, such as sustainable library buildings, collections, digital services, green Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (Kamińska et al, 2022).…”