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Eco-conscious Librarians: culture and practice Richard P. Hulser SCALL Institute March 6, 2010 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010
Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010
Eco-conscious Librarians: culture and practice
Richard P. HulserSCALL InstituteMarch 6, 2010
Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010 2
Topics
Library operationsVendor/Information Provider collaborationsEnterprise-wide initiativesPersonal activitiesEco-friendly culture
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Environmental Circle
Recycle
Reuse
Repurpose
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Library Operations
Lending (recycling) books and other materials makes maximum use of scarce resources – libraries already do thisILL/docdel distribution electronically instead of paperE-content subscriptions instead of print – eliminates ‘check-in’, more timely access and updates
However, electronic ≠ less expensive in every caseReduce printing Do you really need a hard copy of that case or statute? Will an electronic copy serve you just as well? Challenge yourself to go paperless. (UH Law Library's Blog Going Green in the Law Library November 24, 2009.)
http://uhlawlibrary.wordpress.com/2009/11/24/going-green-in-the-law-library
Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010 5
Library Operations cont’d
E-books and other electronic resources – Expand access, reduce space utilization Reduce cost of maintaining physical collection –
cataloging, labels & other processing, circulation, shelving management
Perceived notion of ‘static’ or wasted space diminished - enables reformulation of space for collaboration or individual study areas Important where space and energy costs can be
high and space coveted by others
Richard P. Hulser March 6, 20106
Paper Footprint
Changing from managing paper to
information exchange
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Library Operations cont’d
Create and maintain server-based centralized content file sharing Saves e-space & traffic load on networks (IT will be happy), saves $$
$ Reduces e-mail glut and confusing versions thus saves time too
Share printersRecycle bin for copier misfeeds/bad copiesUse back side of pages for local printers, note taking saves paper & $$Centralize used ink cartridges collection for recyclingBin for paper clips etc. to use/reuseWireless implementation reduces need for wires, cables and outlets etc
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Library Operations cont’d
Conduct virtual meetings & training classes instead of in person – utilize video & tele-conferencing technologies Webex, Second Life
Use screen-sharing tools instead of distributing copies➔ (YuuGuu, Skype etc.)
Conduct energy audit in collaboration with Facilities Can reduce energy use Might actually increase appropriate lighting
Consider eco-friendly materials and methods with building renovations or redesign
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MaterialConneXion Materials Library “The largest library of advanced, innovative, and
sustainable materials and processes in the world.”
http://www.materialconnexion.com/Home/Services/MaterialsLibrary/tabid/89/Default.aspx
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National Geographic Society Library
Helped write Green Page for IntranetWorked with cafeteria vendor to go greenOrganized swap meets to help people recycle unneeded but still good suppliesDeveloped research guides and did due diligence on organizations may partner with in terms of carbon footprintServed on enterprise-wide recycling committeeHelped organization earn Gold Building recognition
Susan Fifer Canby, Vice President, Libraries & Information Services (retired) 2/10/2010
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“Going Green” Outsell report
Includes good listing of resource sites and blogs
“Going Green: a call for action for information management.” Outsell IM Report August 13, 2009. http://www.outsellinc.com/information_managers/products/862
Case Studies:
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Vendor/Info Provider Collaborations
Reduce or eliminate print catalogs distribution
Register for vendor e-alerts Configure mail in special folder to minimize clogs
Negotiate best solutions for e-content/print needs
Understand what energy-saving and recycling initiatives are in place by vendors
Optimize utilization of U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and other historically print-heavy resources now available on-line & some even free
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Enterprise-wide Initiatives
Create “Trading area” for unused or leftover office supplies & small furniture Centralize surplus supplies and make accessible to all in department or area for entire organization
Collect supplies from employees who change offices or leave Go to central supplies storage to get what is there before
ordering or buying new For internal or personal office needs, overlook flaws in
previously used supplies still in working order Remove paper clips and similar items before tossing old
reports, etc. into recycle bins
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Enterprise-wide Initiatives
Telecommute as feasible – net energy and time savings
Centralize e-file sharing
Use china/glassware for receptions, department meetings, break room instead of paper or plastic
Locate recycle bins at prominent & convenient locations
Install motion sensors & timers to maximize lighting use only when needed
Unplug devices when not in use – many ‘hot’ even though turned off
Retrofit existing furniture with electric outlets and network access where wireless may not be feasible or optimum
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Personal Activities
Reuse/recycling of paper, binders, clips, etc.Conference bags for shopping and other purposesGlass & china instead of disposable paper for meals and drinksTap or filtered water instead of bottled water
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Eco-Friendly Culture
Set example and promote energy savings measures among other departmentsParticipate or lead sustainability, resources saving, environmentally friendly initiativesUnderstand eco-friendly initiatives already in place at organization and incorporate into your operations
Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010
“Green is the new Black” Li Edelkoort, founder & president Trend Union and Edelkoort Inc.
Greening Perspectives 2010 Has seven themes on sustainability and the interaction in trends between Lifestyles, Architecture and Design.
http://www.edelkoortinc.com/publications/greening-perspectives-forecast/
Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort talks about how green thinking is changing the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us.
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Selected List of Resources
“Going Green: a call for action for information management.” Karen Wilson. Outsell Information Management Service: IM Report #862. Volume 12, August 13, 2009. 18 pages. http://www.outsellinc.com/information_managers/products/862
“Going Green @ your library: Environmentally friendly practices for libraries and beyond!” http://greeningyourlibrary.wordpress.com/
“Green Libraries: A Website for Information about Green and Sustainable Libraries.” http://www.greenlibraries.org/
“Librarians go green in an era of tight energy.” Bill Becken. Searcher Magazine Vol. 17 No. 9, (October 2009). Pp: 16-19, 55. http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/oct09/index.shtml
“McDermott Will Librarian Shows How Your Firm Can Go Green: Being environmentally aware can save money -- and the planet” John Hoffman Legal Times May 01, 2007. http://www.law.com/jsp/llf/PubArticleLLF.jsp?id=1177936775730
Library Journal Design Institute Program: a one-day think tank that brings librarians together with leading architects, designers and vendors for a day of presentations, interactive discussions and innovative problem-solving on library space, design and construction. “Going Green” has been a theme for 2007 & 2008. http://www.libraryjournal.com/info/CA6531157.html
U.S. Green Building Council/LEED. LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most. http://www.usgbc.org/Default.aspx
