Research Impact Through the SDGs: The Evolving Role of Social Science Librarians

As members of the academic library community, we constantly explore ways to showcase our impact and unique role in advancing the broader research community. One often overlooked avenue is the connection between the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and social science librarians' growing role in supporting evidence-based research. By emphasizing this connection and leveraging the SDGs' well-established framework and branding, we can enhance the visibility and importance of our work as catalysts for social, economic, and cultural development. 
The United Nations established the SDGs to tackle various social, economic, and environmental challenges by the year 2030. While progress has been made, significant gaps and challenges remain in achieving these goals. In 2023, the UN reported that only 15 percent of the goals were on track. In response to this shortfall, the United Nations and its partners increasingly rely on evidence-based research and data-driven approaches to accelerate progress towards the SDGs. One such initiative, the Global SDG Synthesis Coalition, launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), utilizes evidence-based research to identify effective interventions and approaches for achieving the SDGs. By leveraging evidence-based research, policymakers can prioritize proven interventions, allocate resources better, design policies, and implement programs that effectively address the complex challenges outlined in the SDGs. Librarians can play a significant role in supporting evidence-based research by providing expert guidance and support for evidence synthesis methods, such as systematic reviews. While these methodologies have traditionally been prominent in health sciences, social science librarians are increasingly encountering and responding to a growing demand for expertise in this area. Researchers new to evidence synthesis can benefit from librarians, as they are able to educate them on established reporting guidelines to ensure the production of high-quality evidence synthesis. However, one of the librarian's most significant contributions to this methodology lies in developing and executing a comprehensive search of all the available research essential for identifying patterns, trends, gaps, and diverse perspectives. Failure to ensure comprehensiveness risks excluding specific viewpoints, especially those of our most marginalized communities, disregarding their valuable insights and perspectives derived from their experiences. While librarian inclusion is not a requirement of evidence-based research methods, studies have shown that their involvement enhances the rigor, comprehensiveness, and efficiency of the literature search, improving the quality and reliability of the findings. This approach directly contributes to SDG 17 by providing comprehensive, reliable data and insights that facilitate informed decision-making, collaboration, and stakeholder partnerships. Studies show that many researchers are eager to become more familiar with and effectively incorporate the SDGs into their work. Librarians have the power to bridge this gap by offering training sessions to align projects with global objectives. By highlighting specific SDG targets and relevant indicators in research projects, we can present case studies and concrete examples demonstrating how our work directly advances critical goals, enhancing awareness of the SDGs and showcasing the research community's work. 
The SDGs present a unique opportunity to incorporate their iconic marketing graphics into promotional materials like flyers, posters, and presentations, effectively highlighting librarians' contributions. Integrating SDG branding into library spaces through signage, displays, and exhibits raises patrons' awareness and emphasizes the library's commitment to promoting sustainable development through evidence-based research practices. These design elements can streamline our efforts and strengthen our connection to the university and global communities.