NCERTNCERT · Library & Documentation DivisionInnovative & Sustainable Library Practices · NEP 2020
Training Manual 2026–27
Innovative & Sustainable Library Practices
Module06

Innovation & Sustainability · Green Libraries

Innovative and Sustainable Library Practices

Libraries can lead by example on sustainability — not only in content and services but in design, infrastructure and community activity. This module covers innovative practice, sustainable collection development, open access, resource sharing, green libraries, energy efficiency and waste reduction.

5 learning objectives10 sectionsModule 6 of 11
NEP 2020NCFSE 2023Green LibraryOERSustainable Collection DevelopmentMakerspaceNDLIDIKSHAe-ShodhSindhuDELNETINFLIBNETInterlibrary LoanEco-friendly InfrastructureWeed and SeedDigital-first PolicyReduce-Reuse-Recycle

Learning objectives

Tap each objective as you work through the module to track your progress.

  • Understand the key concepts of innovation and sustainability in library practices.
  • Develop strategies for sustainable collection development and management.
  • Leverage digital and open-access resources for a more cost-effective library.
  • Implement ‘green library’ principles to create eco-friendly spaces.
  • Understand NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 recommendations for transforming libraries into dynamic learning hubs.
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6.1

Introduction

As libraries become dynamic learning ecosystems, they must embrace sustainability not only in content and services but in design, infrastructure and community activity. NEP 2020 promotes libraries as centres of multidisciplinary learning, digital education and inclusive resources; NCFSE 2023 emphasises experiential learning, environmental values and collective involvement. By combining digital technologies, green practices and inclusive approaches, libraries can become true ‘learning commons’.

6.2

Innovative Practices in Libraries

  • Digital libraries: e-books, e-journals and online databases for wider access.
  • Open Educational Resources (OERs): free, shareable study materials for teachers and students.
  • Makerspaces: creative corners with tools for art, craft, model-making and experiments.
  • Community engagement: book exhibitions, reading weeks, storytelling sessions and cultural events.
  • Inclusive services: local-language, Braille and audio resources, and user-friendly technology for differently-abled learners.
6.3

Sustainable Practices in Libraries

  • Paper reduction: digital notices, e-catalogues and online communication.
  • Green library concept: trees, natural light, energy-saving bulbs and a clean environment.
  • Waste management: recycling newspapers and magazines; reusing materials for displays.
  • Eco-friendly infrastructure: bamboo/wooden shelves, solar power and rainwater harvesting.
  • Awareness programmes: workshops on environmental awareness and sustainable living.
6.4

Sustainable Collection Development and Management

Sustainable collection development means building and stewarding collections in environmentally responsible, socially inclusive, culturally responsive and economically resilient ways across the resource lifecycle — selection, acquisition/licensing, description, access, preservation and de-selection.

  • Focus on need-based acquisitions rather than quantity.
  • Promote digital-first policies (e-books, e-journals, databases).
  • Adopt ‘weed and seed’ — remove outdated materials responsibly while adding relevant, updated resources.
  • Use open-access resources to reduce cost and improve equity.

Why ‘sustainable’? Three interwoven dimensions

  • Environmental: reduce waste and carbon intensity across procurement, logistics, storage, preservation and disposal.
  • Social: guarantee equitable, barrier-free access and reflect linguistic and cultural diversity.
  • Economic: maximise value for money through collaborative licensing, open access and total-cost-of-ownership thinking.

NEP 2020 positions libraries and digital networks (NDLI, DIKSHA) as core infrastructure for quality and equity. Consortia economics such as e-ShodhSindhu and ONOS help improve access, eliminate waste and make collections more inclusive and resilient.

6.5

Digital and Open-Access Resources for Cost-Effective Sustainability

  • Cost-effective and scalable: open resources reduce subscription costs; digital access lets many students use the same material at once.
  • Policy-aligned: NEP 2020 promotes digital tools and OER; NCFSE 2023 encourages inclusive, technology-supported curricula.
  • Pedagogical benefits: open resources can be adapted and translated for local languages and cultures.
  • Support for local scholarship: institutional repositories and open publishing share local research and student projects.

Growing adoption of OA platforms such as DOAJ and PubMed Central shows libraries have the tools and support to build repositories and offer cost-effective digital access, especially at state and district level.

6.6

Resource Sharing, Reuse and Repurposing of Materials

  • Resource sharing: cooperation through national networks like DELNET and INFLIBNET reduces repetitive expenditure by sharing catalogues and subscriptions; union catalogues and shared repositories ease finding and borrowing.
  • Reuse: mending, rebinding or digitising books extends material life and models sustainable behaviour while protecting fragile resources.
  • Repurposing: turning print into online instructional content, or old books into maker activities; teachers can convert lesson plans into OER; exchange shelves and book cafés encourage literacy and save waste.

Implementation maps user demand and curriculum priorities to NCFSE standards, joins consortia and shared catalogues, uses open licensing, sets up repair workshops and energy-saving measures, and trains staff on copyright, digital tools and preservation. A school-cluster pilot of five schools pooling a digital catalogue and sharing teacher-created OER (with a DIET node managing metadata) reduces duplication and models NEP’s equitable-access aims.

6.7

Green Library and Eco-Friendly Practices

Key principles of green libraries

  • Sustainable design and architecture using natural materials and renewable energy.
  • Energy efficiency — daylight, natural ventilation, solar/wind power and efficient HVAC.
  • Water conservation — low-flow plumbing, rainwater harvesting and drought-tolerant landscaping.
  • Waste management — reduction, recycling, composting and responsible procurement.
  • Sustainable materials — bamboo, certified wood, recycled steel and glass, low-VOC paints.
  • Innovative technologies, eco-literacy programmes and eco-friendly events (‘No-Plastic Week’, ‘Green Reading Corners’).

Eco-friendly operations include green collection development, community awareness campaigns and partnerships, flexible user-centred spaces, inclusive and equitable access, and role-modelling sustainable living for patrons and neighbouring institutions.

6.8

Energy-Efficient Library Infrastructure & Environment

Energy efficiency reduces operating costs, maintains the right temperature and humidity for books and equipment, and creates a comfortable environment — while teaching students about sustainability, in line with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023.

  • Core design: passive measures (site planning, natural ventilation, daylighting), occupancy-based zoning, insulation, high-performance windows, shading, LED lighting, efficient HVAC, sensors/meters and rooftop solar.
  • Practical strategies: double-glazed windows with shading, insulated roofs, occupancy sensors, programmable HVAC, energy-efficient server rooms and sustainable materials.
  • Operations: energy audits, controlled lighting/HVAC schedules, staff training to switch off devices, and stable (not over-cooled) storage.
  • Pedagogy & monitoring: energy-meter demonstrations and real-time dashboards teach data literacy; track electricity per m², renewable share, lighting efficiency and indoor-temperature stability.
6.9

Waste Management and Paper Reduction

The core principle is Reduce → Reuse → Recycle, prioritising digital access while keeping important physical materials and planning for the full lifecycle of resources — without excluding users who lack digital tools (hybrid solutions and assistive formats are essential).

  • Reduce paper: acquire e-books and OER, use shared networks, replace bulk printing with print-on-demand, adopt double-sided/grayscale printing and digital notices, and use metadata so users find resources without printing.
  • Manage waste streams: paper, e-waste (computers, printers) and damaged furniture — each needing a clear reduce/reuse/repair/recycle policy; maintain asset registers and work with certified recyclers.
  • Monitor & evaluate: track annual paper use, digital access and e-waste disposal, sharing data with stakeholders; manage costs through government funds, donations and phased rollouts.
6.10

Best Practices

  • Inclusive libraries (multiple languages, Braille, audiobooks) and green-certified eco-friendly norms.
  • Community-driven libraries, library innovation clubs and book banks providing a year’s textbooks.
  • Mobile libraries / book vans and community library corners in panchayats; student library volunteers.
  • Eco-club collaboration on awareness campaigns and digital-literacy camps for teachers and students.

Conclusion

Libraries today are dynamic ecosystems that can foster sustainability, innovation and equity. By adopting green practices, digital innovations and collaborative approaches, they align with NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023 — empowering learners, educators and communities.

NEP 2020 envisions libraries as dynamic hubs of knowledge and innovation and NCFSE 2023 stresses their role in competency-based, inclusive education. Through green initiatives, resource sharing and digital adoption, librarians keep their institutions relevant, resourceful and responsible.

References

  1. Government of India. (2020). National Education Policy 2020. Ministry of Education.
  2. NCERT. (2023). National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. NCERT.
  3. Singh, J., & Chander, H. (2021). Green libraries: A step towards sustainable development. Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 5432.
  4. IFLA. (2015). IFLA Green Library Checklist. International Federation of Library Associations.
  5. Subramaniam, M. (2016). Designing the 21st-century library for sustainability and innovation. Journal of Library Administration, 56(6), 595–604.
  6. Mishra, S. (2023). Greening libraries for a sustainable future. Library Philosophy and Practice.

From learning to practice

Apply & Practise

✎Project Work

1.Evaluate the transformation of school libraries as dynamic learning ecosystems under NEP 2020 and NCFSE 2023.

GuidanceDiscuss how these policies redefine libraries; examine the shift toward digital, inclusive and sustainable spaces; analyse challenges and opportunities with SCERT/DIET/SIE examples.

2.Analyse the role of innovative practices (digital libraries, OERs, makerspaces, community engagement) in enhancing teaching–learning.

GuidanceExplain each practice with examples; assess contribution to experiential learning, inclusion and accessibility; propose a plan to implement one innovation.

3.Develop a comprehensive model for sustainable collection development and management for a school/DIET library.

GuidanceDiscuss the environmental, social and economic dimensions; describe digital-first policies, weeding criteria, multilingual resources and national platforms.

4.Examine how digital and open-access resources promote equity, cost-effectiveness and localised learning.

GuidanceEvaluate OER, institutional repositories, open journals and digital tools; discuss benefits for rural and underserved communities; propose integration strategies.

5.Design an implementation framework for green library, energy-efficient infrastructure and waste management.

GuidanceDescribe green design, energy-efficient technologies, waste protocols and eco-literacy programmes; propose a phased plan with monitoring indicators.

⚒Hands-on Activity · Green Library Audit and Action Plan Sprint

Format Small groups (3–5)Time 40–50 minutes

Objective. Participants audit a school library against green criteria and produce a prioritised, costed action plan for eco-friendly improvement.

Materials
  • A ‘Library Snapshot Card’ per group (a brief fictional description of building, lighting, paper use, collection and waste habits; each group a different scenario).
  • A Green Library Audit Checklist (15 yes/no items from Sections 6.7–6.9: natural lighting, LED, solar, double-sided printing, e-catalogue, OER use, paper recycling, e-waste register, rainwater harvesting, eco furniture, asset register, staff training, community eco programme, plastic-free policy, energy meter).
  • A blank Action Plan template (Priority; Action Step; Estimated Cost — Free / Low cost / Requires budget); two-colour sticky notes; SDG 4/12/13 reference card.
Steps
  1. Read the snapshot (5 min): groups act as a Library Green Audit Team visiting this library.
  2. Conduct the audit (10 min): mark each of the 15 items Yes/No/Partial from the snapshot; place ‘already doing’ and ‘needs improvement’ sticky notes.
  3. Score and identify gaps (5 min): tally the Yes count and circle the three most critical gaps.
  4. Build the action plan (12 min): write one action per priority gap with a priority level and cost; at least one action must be free/low-cost, and at least one must use an OER or digital resource.
  5. Link to policy (5 min): annotate each action with the relevant NEP 2020 / NCFSE 2023 value and the SDG it advances.
  6. Gallery share (5 min): post audits and plans; participants dot-vote the most replicable action.
Deliverable. A completed 15-item green audit checklist with sticky-note annotations, a prioritised three-action plan with cost estimates and NEP/NCFSE/SDG links, and one dot-voted ‘most replicable action’.
Debrief questions
  • Which single free or zero-budget action could you implement within two weeks, and who would need to approve it?
  • How does a visibly eco-friendly library communicate values to students beyond what any lesson plan can?

☑Worksheet & Self-check

Tap an option to check your answer instantly. Short-answer model responses are drawn from the manual’s answer key.

Q1.Which national policy positions libraries and digital networks as core infrastructure for quality and equity, and promotes them as centres of multidisciplinary learning?

Answer: A. NEP 2020 promotes libraries as centres of multidisciplinary learning, digital education and inclusive resources, and positions them as core infrastructure for quality and equity.

Q2.What does the ‘weed and seed’ principle in sustainable collection development mean?

Answer: B. ‘Weed and seed’ means removing outdated materials responsibly while adding relevant and updated resources.

Q3.Which of the following is NOT listed as a key principle of green libraries?

Answer: C. The green-library principles cover energy efficiency, water conservation and sustainable materials; mandatory journal subscriptions are not among them.

Q4.Which national cooperative network is mentioned as helping Indian libraries reduce repetitive expenditure by sharing catalogues and subscriptions?

Answer: C. Cooperative sharing through national networks like DELNET and INFLIBNET helps libraries reduce repetitive expenditure by sharing catalogues and subscriptions.

Q5.Explain the three dimensions of sustainability in collection development.

Model answer. Environmental — reducing waste and carbon intensity across the collection lifecycle from procurement to disposal; Social — guaranteeing equitable, barrier-free access and reflecting linguistic and cultural diversity; and Economic — maximising value for money through collaborative licensing, open access and total-cost-of-ownership thinking.

Q6.What are makerspaces in libraries, and how do they align with innovative library practices?

Model answer. Makerspaces are small creative corners equipped with tools for art, craft, model-making and experiments that encourage innovation. They are part of innovative library practices that transform the library from a mere storehouse of books into a dynamic, eco-friendly and inclusive space; repurposing discarded books in maker activities is also a form of sustainable resource reuse.