Libraries "Going Green"

In our class discussions, we have focused a lot of our attention on the future of libraries and librarianship. I agree with Rubin (2004), “Change will occur in an evolutionary, rather than revolutionary, fashion,” (p. 479). Libraries are becoming increasingly user-centered, which means there is a greater need for librarians to understand their users’ needs and a greater need for marketing and promotion. Amidst all of our discussions, I don’t think anyone has brought up the idea of “green” libraries and what impact they will have on the future of librarianship.
As libraries evolve, so too will the buildings that house them. The notion of “going green” has surged enormously over the last couple of years, affecting both businesses and individuals. “Libraries need to lead by example,” says Library Journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Francine Fialkoff (2008). As librarians look for ways to stay relevant in today’s world, one way is to model and teach the community about sustainability. “Libraries are already places for lifelong learning, and they provide users with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. There's no better place to model best practices for sustainable design, to be incubators for reduced energy consumption, to be educators for a whole range of new ideas than the library,” (Fialkoff, 2008).
Le Bur & Gregory (2004) agree, “Librarians can seize the opportunity to become role models and influence institutions to start or maintain the greening process.” Let me take this opportunity to clarify the terms ‘greening’ and ‘sustainability.’ Greening means having more care for the environment, and sustainability means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. According to Le Bur & Gregory (2004), “Practicing sustainability means using materials in continuous cycles, using renewable resources, and having less impact on the planet. Sustainable practices translate to caring for the environment.”
Recently, sustainable building design has been an intriguing option for new homes, businesses, schools, and libraries. Many incentives, such as cost savings, positive publicity, and environmental concerns, are leading many to opt for sustainable design. Another incentive is the certification given by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a nationally accepted green building rating system. According to Whelan (2007), there were 33 LEED-certified schools nationwide in 2007. And, nearly 300 schools were on the waiting list to be inspected by LEED. The numbers are rapidly increasing. In 2002, only two schools were LEED-certified (Whelan, 2007). In the not-too-distant future, I have a feeling sustainable design will not only be an option, but a requirement for all new buildings.
"The most sustainable building is one that already exists,” says Kuzyk (2008). Libraries that aren’t looking to completely rebuild can still rethink their use of light, electricity, water, heat and air conditioning, paper usage, etc. Libraries should also consider their impact on landfills. When and how should they recycle or reuse packaging (from books, computers, software, etc.), weeded materials, office paper waste, outdated computers, etc.? However, Kuzyk (2008) says, “It's not just enough to build the building and now you've been a good steward of the earth… you've got to educate your public!”
Fialkoff (2008) adds to this by saying, “We read about it, we hear about it, but nobody's really telling us how to do it.” Librarians should seize this information void as an opportunity to use to their advantage. Just like libraries have game nights to appeal to teens, libraries could offer sustainability/green events to appeal to people who are ready to make “green” changes but aren’t sure how. This is one way libraries could attract new patrons. Once these people are in the door, there is a good chance they will find the library useful in other ways too.
In many areas, school library media specialists are taking the lead in helping their schools “go green.” Not only are they helping their schools to save on electricity bills, they are teaching students how to be environmentally aware. Karen Kibler, the librarian at Iroquois High School in Elma, NY started an Energy Saving Club for her high school students (Whelan, 2007). They regularly visit local elementary schools to lecture about caring for the environment. Her green movement has spread to the rest of the school, with teachers and even the janitorial staff helping to significantly cut waste and bring down electricity bills. At Dwight-Englewood School in New Jersey, Sandra Latzer is a key member of her school’s green initiative. Their school has 18 solar panels on its roof to save energy, light classrooms, and help students get interested in environmental issues (Whelan, 2007).
“Becoming a green library takes commitment from individuals as well as the larger organization. It is an evolutionary process, starting small and building step-by-step,” (Le Burger & Gregory, 2004). Whether librarians are educating their patrons or students, changing their disposal and recycling policies, or redesigning their buildings, there is something each of us can do to make the future brighter for generations to come.


References:

Fialkoff, F. (2008). Seeing green. Library Journal, 133(1), 8.

Kuzyk, R. (2008). Going green (Spring 2008 Design Supplement). Library Journal, 133, 1-7.

Le Ber, J. M. & Gregory, J. M. (2004). Becoming green and sustainable: A Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library case study. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 92(2), 266-268.

Rubin, R. E. (2004). Foundations of library and information science (2nd ed.). New York: Neal-Schuman.

Whelan, D. L. (2007). School libraries join green movement. School Library Journal, 53(7), 15.