Bridging the Gap: Academic Libraries as Contributors to Achieving Quality Education – Comparative Case of Rwanda and Sweden

This chapter explores the role and effectiveness of academic libraries in promoting inclusive and equitable education (SDG4) in Rwanda and Sweden – two contrasting socio-economic contexts. By examining opportunities and challenges, the text aims to foster knowledge exchange and provide actionable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and stakeholders advancing global education. Academic libraries in Sweden are a key part of the country’s higher education system. Sweden’s academic libraries operate within a strong legal framework that ensures inclusivity and equity, adapting services to diverse student needs. Libraries in Sweden offer tools, services, and library staff training to create learning spaces for everyone and contribute to an inclusive and equitable higher education. However, growing diversity among the student groups challenges meeting individual requirements. In contrast, Rwanda’s academic libraries work within a fast-changing education system, where Library and Information Science (LIS) is still growing. Even with these challenges, they have made good progress in promoting inclusive and fair education, in line with national policy. They offer varied resources, support students with disabilities, and take part in community work. Still, a lack of solid data and no national library group make it hard to measure and promote their efforts. Even so, these libraries have strong potential to grow, especially with more funding and support from both national and global partners. Both need to grow – Swedish libraries by improving student-adapted support, and Rwandan libraries by strengthening their resources and skills. By learning from each other, they can better support inclusive and fair education around the world.