{"id":7371,"date":"2026-05-01T12:13:51","date_gmt":"2026-05-01T02:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/?p=7371"},"modified":"2026-05-19T17:25:19","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T07:25:19","slug":"how-libraries-help-create-a-better-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/how-libraries-help-create-a-better-world\/","title":{"rendered":"How libraries help create a better world"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Libraries have long played\u00a0a central role\u00a0in the lives of students,\u00a0researchers\u00a0and communities. At Deakin, the Library does far more than provide access to books and journals. It supports learning, enables research\u00a0excellence\u00a0and offers safe, welcoming spaces where people can think,\u00a0study\u00a0and connect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Across the globe, libraries are also increasingly\u00a0recognised\u00a0as part of the solution to some of society\u2019s biggest challenges \u2013 including inequality,\u00a0misinformation\u00a0and access to education.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Libraries and global responsibility<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As trusted sources of information and community anchors, libraries are well placed to contribute to positive social change. This role aligns closely with the\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">United Nations\u2019 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which form the foundation of the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/sdgs.un.org\/2030agenda\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0\u2013 a global framework aimed at improving lives while protecting the planet.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Several of the SDGs reflect the\u00a0day<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">to<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">day\u00a0work of libraries and universities, including:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0quality\u00a0education<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">good health and wellbeing<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gender equality<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reduced inequalities<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sustainable cities and communities.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By supporting learning,\u00a0equitable\u00a0access\u00a0and informed\u00a0decision<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">making, libraries help turn these global goals into local action.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Access to information in a digital world<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Academic libraries play a critical role in ensuring access to information for people who may otherwise be disadvantaged. This includes providing access to scholarly resources, learning\u00a0technologies\u00a0and study spaces that support both formal education and lifelong learning.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Libraries also support the development of\u00a0digital, information and media literacy skills, helping students and researchers evaluate sources, navigate complex information\u00a0environments\u00a0and respond critically to misinformation and disinformation. This work is especially important in an era shaped by social media, rapid content creation and\u00a0so<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">called\u00a0\u2018fake news\u2019.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Education as a driver of equity<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Access to quality education is widely\u00a0recognised\u00a0as\u00a0life<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">changing\u00a0\u2013\u00a0yet not everyone has equal opportunity or resources. Even when students reach university, the cost of textbooks and learning materials can be a significant barrier.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This is where libraries\u00a0can\u00a0make\u00a0a difference. By providing free and\u00a0equitable\u00a0access to learning resources, libraries help reduce financial pressure and support student success. For some, library access can be the difference between continuing their studies or falling behind.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Libraries also advocate for\u00a0open access, supporting research and scholarship that is free to read and available to everyone, not just those who can afford to pay. This work contributes directly to reducing inequality and broadening participation in knowledge creation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Safe, inclusive spaces for everyone<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Libraries contribute to a fairer and more inclusive society in ways that extend beyond collections and services. Library staff actively support initiatives that promote gender equality, respectful\u00a0workplaces\u00a0and the prevention of discrimination.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Just as importantly, libraries are widely\u00a0recognised\u00a0as safe, inclusive spaces\u00a0\u2013\u00a0places where people can study, work and be themselves without fear or judgement. These environments play a vital role in supporting wellbeing,\u00a0belonging\u00a0and community connection.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Supporting research,\u00a0innovation\u00a0and impact<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Libraries also underpin innovation,\u00a0industry\u00a0and infrastructure by supporting access to research outputs and, in many cases, publishing research themselves. This ensures knowledge is discoverable,\u00a0reusable\u00a0and shared widely \u2013 essential foundations for sustainable development and\u00a0evidence<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">based\u00a0decision<\/span>\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">making.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Deakin Library\u2019s ongoing commitment<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:261,&quot;335559739&quot;:261,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a proud member of the\u00a0<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/caul.edu.au\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Council of Australasian University Librarians (CAUL),<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Deakin\u00a0Library\u00a0works alongside the university sector to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals in practical, meaningful ways.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through\u00a0equitable\u00a0access to information, open\u00a0scholarship, skills development and inclusive spaces, Deakin Library will continue to play a quiet but powerful role in supporting education, reducing\u00a0inequality\u00a0and helping to create a better world.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div>\n<p>Explore how Deakin Library supports learning, research and equity \u2013 and be part of the collective effort to create a better world through knowledge.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.deakin.edu.au\/library\/use-our-libraries\">Visit our Use our libraries page<\/a> to learn more about about libraries help create a better world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Libraries have long played\u00a0a central role\u00a0in the lives of students,\u00a0researchers\u00a0and communities. At Deakin, the Library does far more than provide access to books and journals. It supports learning, enables research\u00a0excellence\u00a0and offers safe, welcoming spaces where people can think,\u00a0study\u00a0and connect.\u00a0 Across the globe, libraries are also increasingly\u00a0recognised\u00a0as part of the solution to some of society\u2019s biggest [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128203,"featured_media":7373,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[25],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7371","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-interest"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pao1A6-1UT","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/326\/2026\/05\/5244_DEA_WB_011012_DSL_21958.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7371","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/128203"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7371"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7371\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7468,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7371\/revisions\/7468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7371"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7371"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.deakin.edu.au\/article\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7371"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}