Role of Public Libraries in Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion through United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)

with special reference to Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Abstract

The aim of this research is to review the role of public libraries in development of social cohesion and peace in communities and societies with the help of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). It presents a conceptual framework in which peace and social cohesion can be implemented in communities and societies through public libraries. The 17 United Nations’ SDGs have been discussed with special reference to promoting peace, and social cohesion through different methods and mediums which can relate to the influence of public libraries in different social development and activities that can play a major role in the communities.
Through the review of scholarly literature, this paper has shown the public library as a metaphor for information provision that enhances peace and social cohesion in the communities. Libraries – especially public and community libraries allow members of communities to meet and exchange in a shared space, often supported by shared resources and heritage. The presented
work helps to get an overview of sustainable peace and social cohesion developed among communities with the help of public libraries and its activities in the LIS field and additionally, potential research gaps may be identified. The authors call for more research in this area and concrete ideas to help develop a sustainable future. The value of this paper is in its identification and discussion of the views and position on the concepts of library, peace and social cohesion.