Academic Libraries Planning for a Thriving World

The United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a global framework for storytelling, policy, and advocacy within the UN 2030 Agenda, outlining targets and indicators to evaluate sustainability efforts at all levels, aiming for planetary and human well-being, inclusion, and equality. Universities, striving for global impact, find the SDGs a relevant framework, and in the US, academic libraries often align work plans with institutional strategies. Mapping library initiatives to the SDGs facilitates strategic planning and storytelling, contributing to Goal 17’s emphasis on global networks and partnerships. Academic libraries, with their inherent focus on information sharing and the common good, are key partners in achieving the SDGs. This chapter proposes embedding the SDGs in academic library strategic plans, offering an external benchmark for identifying opportunities and goals, as modeled by institutions like the University of Southern Queensland. Adapting the European “Accelerating Education on the SDGs" report’s steps – assess, build capacity, identify priorities, integrate, monitor, and communicate – is recommended for academic libraries during their strategic planning process.