10th U6+ Consortium of African Universities International Conference

Climate change is increasingly threatening urban systems, infrastructure, and information institutions, especially in developing areas where environmental vulnerabilities are more pronounced. Academic libraries, which serve as guardians of knowledge and research resources, are facing rising risks from climate-related issues like flooding, extreme heat, humidity, and poor environmental management. This study looks into how climate resilience strategies can help protect library resources in academic institutions in Kwara State, Nigeria, while placing libraries within the larger context of urban climate resilience. It investigates how environmental conditions, infrastructure planning, and institutional readiness impact the safety and sustainability of library collections, both print and digital. By employing a mixed-method approach that includes surveys, observational assessments, and interviews with library staff and administrators, the research assesses current practices in environmental safety, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation in selected academic libraries. The findings reveal that many libraries in the region are grappling with significant environmental challenges, such as inadequate climate control systems, poorly designed buildings for climate resilience, inconsistent power supply affecting preservation technologies, and a lack of institutional policies to tackle climate-related risks. However, there are promising developments like digitization efforts, better storage management, and a growing awareness of sustainable practices that are slowly enhancing resilience. The study underscores the importance of strategically integrating climate adaptation policies into academic infrastructure planning and library management systems. By strengthening environmental monitoring, disaster risk management, and sustainable energy solutions, we can significantly bolster the long-term protection of library resources. Ultimately, creating climate-resilient academic libraries not only safeguards these resources but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable urban development.