Awareness of undergraduate and graduate students of information and records management department on sustainability and green library concepts: The case of Kastamonu University

This study assesses the awareness and perceptions of undergraduate and graduate students in Kastamonu University's Department of Information and Records Management regarding sustainability and green libraries. Understanding these concepts is vital for future library professionals, as sustainability influences library practices and social development. The research explores the theoretical background of sustainability, including its environmental, social, economic, and human dimensions and the library's role within this framework. It also examines green management and library issues in light of corporate social responsibility and circular economy principles. The study received ethical approval from Kastamonu University's Social and Human Sciences Research Ethics Committee. In 2024-2025, the survey targeted 282 students—254 undergraduates across four years and 28 graduate students. Ultimately, 129 students (45.74%) responded. Fifty-six students with extended graduation timelines were excluded due to accessibility issues. Results showed that students' awareness of sustainability, especially environmental sustainability, was high (86.1%), but their use of recyclable products was lower (53.5%). Notably, 29.5% were undecided, and 10.1% opposed environmentally friendly practices, indicating a need for increased awareness and education. Regarding green libraries, students demonstrated a strong awareness of resource efficiency (73.7%), environmentally friendly materials (78.3%), renewable resources (75.2%), and social contributions (83.0%). Demographic analysis revealed slight differences between older and more advanced/master's students, who exhibited slightly higher awareness. The open-ended responses to the questions "What do you think sustainability is?" and "What do you think green library is?" showed relatively different rates of 83.72% and 63.56%, respectively. In addition, the rates of those who answered the questions as "do not know" and left them blank (16.27% in the context of sustainability; 28.67% in the context of green libraries) underline the significant knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. These results highlight the necessity of developing educational strategies integrating theoretical and practical studies on sustainability and green libraries.