The Contribution of Mbale Public Library to the Achievement of Selected Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Uganda

Abstract

The roadmap to a brighter and more sustainable future for everybody is found in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs deal with issues such as environmental degradation, climate change, poverty, inequality, and peace and justice that are prevalent worldwide. This study examined Mbale Public Library's contribution towards achieving SDGs 4 (Quality Education) and 11(sustainable cities and communities). The study's objectives were: i) to examine the services provided by Mbale Public Library that contribute to SDGs 4 and 11; ii) to analyse the effectiveness of Mbale Public Library’s services towards the achievement of SDGs 4 and 11; iii) to investigate the challenges (if any) hindering the contribution of Mbale Public Library towards the achievement of SDGs 4 and 11; and iv) to propose strategies/solutions to amplify Mbale Public Library’s contribution towards the achievement of SDGs 4 and 11.

A case study research design and a mixed-methods research approach were used for the study. The study population was composed of 101 study participants, of which 50 were adopted as the sample size. The data collection methods used included structured questionnaires, structured interviews and document review.

The findings revealed that the services Mbale Public Library provides to contribute to SDGs 4 and 11 include but are not limited to information service provision, internet services and offering pieces of training. The findings also revealed that Mbale Public Library contributed towards the achievement of SDGs 4 and 11 by bridging the information access gap, fostering knowledge sharing and bridging the digital divide gap, among others. Further, the findings also revealed that the challenges that hindered Mbale Public Library from contributing to SDGs 4 and 11 included inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, low compliance levels, among others.

Based on these findings, it was concluded that the services provided by Mbale Public Library equipped the library users with relevant knowledge and skills to make informed decisions and participate in society development. It was also concluded that Mbale Public Library was contributing to the achievement of SDGs 4 and 11 through the services it was providing. Lastly, the study concluded that there was a need to solve the challenges hindering Mbale Public Library from contributing to SDGs 4 and 11 to enhance its capacity in promoting SDGs 4 and 11.

Based on the study findings and conclusions, it was recommended that Mbale Public Library should form strategic alliances to enhance its internal capacity in contributing to SDGs 4 and 11, embed the SDGs into its strategic plans and acquire more content on SDGs 4 and 11.