Abstract
This study examined public library service delivery for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in South-East Nigeria. The study was guided by four research questions and covered public library boards in five states, involving professional and paraprofessional library staff and registered active community users. A sample of 300 respondents, comprising 150 library staff and 150 community users, was selected through multistage quota sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Public Libraries and Sustainable Development Goals Questionnaire (PLSDGQ). Out of the 300 copies questionnaire administered, 282 were returned in usable form, comprising 141 staff and 141 community users, representing a 94.0% response rate. The instrument was validated by specialists in Library and Information Science and Educational Measurement and Evaluation, with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.82. Data were analysed using frequency counts, mean and standard deviation. Findings showed that public library programmes and services supported selected SDGs, with the strongest support for SDG 4 (Quality Education). Government budgetary allocations were the major resource acquisition mechanism, while community donations and NGO partnerships provided supplementary support. Utilization of SDG-related services was generally high, but ICT-based and specialized services recorded lower utilization. Major challenges were inadequate funding, unstable electricity, insufficient ICT infrastructure, staff shortages and outdated service models. The study recommends sustainable funding, improved ICT and power infrastructure, continuous staff development, user-oriented services and stronger partnerships to enhance public library capacity for SDG-related service delivery in South-East Nigeria.
Keywords: Public libraries, Library Service Delivery, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Public Library Services
Publication Date: 2026-10-31