Library Activities in the Context of Sustainable Development: Qualitative Analysis of the 2012–2021 Annual Reports of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania

Abstract

This exploratory research, based on the concept of sustainable development (SD), presents qualitative analysis of the 2012–2021 activities of the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania (NLL). Its principal research goals are the following: (1) by drawing on the analysis of subject literature, to reconstruction to light trends in the developments of the measurement of library activity processes and library resources related to attaining SD goals (the Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda of the United Nations sets 17 SD goals); (2) by drawing on the publicly available 2012–2021 annual reports of NLL, to identify semantic links between the activity of this Library and the set SD goals. The reconstruction of trends in the measurement of library activities and resources showed causal relationship, when the aggregation of data for internal library needs is followed by pointing out the economic and social value of the library activity as well as the actual use of these data in advocating libraries and attaining the SD goals. During 2012–2021, NLL was best involved in the SD strategy when it provided quality education for its community (SD Goal 4); ensured access to information for all and thus contributed to ensuring peace and justice (SD Goal 16); and cooperated with Lithuanian and international partners and thus built partnerships for the achievement of common goals (SD Goal 17). NLL also contributed to the reducing of inequality (SD Goal 10) and realizing of initiatives for the mobilization of sustainable cities and communities (SD Goal 11). At the end of the investigated time period, NLL contributed to the establishment of good health and well-being (SD Goal 3) by, in the first place, providing its staff and users emotional support and preventive tools during the COVID-19 pandemic.