Hauke, Petra (2012). Project "The Green Library'': Bibliography 1971-2012.
Kraljević, Ivan; Lukačić, Petar (2015). Project Green Library in Croatia: Paper presented at IFLA WLIC 2015, Cape Town, South Africa.
The aim of this paper is to show how small and locally oriented projects like the Green library project can grow and expand to a national level. The Green Library project was first initiated in 2011. by the Librarian Association of Istria, with the goal of educating the public and raising awareness about sustainable development and the necessity for environmental protection. The project was received exceptionally well in the County of Istria, and its activities were well attended. Since the beginning of 2013. Public library Fran Galović in Koprivnica implements this idea and integrates “green” topics into its regular programs. Most of the programmes were oriented on small practical steps and advices on what we can do in our everyday lives to contribute and participate in sustainable development and environmental protection. During National assembly of Croatian Library Association in October 2014. Project Green library has expanded on a national librarian level by establishing the Working group for Green libraries. The aim of this Group is to establish a network of libraries ready to be involved in an existing form of the project and to participate in the education of general public and raising the awareness about the importance of a sustainable society as well as to advocate for the environmental protection through libraries and library associations.
Suna Kıraç Library Sustainability Committee (2023). Promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Library Subject Guides. IFLA ENSULIB Newsletter, 3(2), 20-21
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a focal point of global efforts to address pressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. Kocc University (Turkey) Suna Kiracc Library Sustainability Committee is actively continuing its work to raise awareness and promote the 17 SDGs set by the United Nations. Following our successful Textbook Swap1 campaign, we are taking SDG awareness to the next level by creating a dedicated Subject Guide.
Samiee, Mitra; Farzadi, Somayeh; Hooshmand, Elham (2019). Promotion of environmental protection culture through green information literacy education in Iran's public libraries: Poster presented at IFLA WLIC 2019, Athens, Greece.
Green information literacy, accompanied by the heightened awareness of the sustainable development, thinking, and individual and collective behavior shift in confrontation with environmental crises, includes skills such as demand analysis, information resource identification, familiarization with searching methods, and information assessment and organization, in order to help the environment, and fosters the conscious decision-making in people to resolve environmental issues. Public librarians in Iran have passed and operationalized a bill under the title of ‘The Promotion of Environmentalism through Green Information Literacy in Iranian Public Libraries’, supported by Iran Public Libraries Foundational and Art and Cultural Organization of Tehran Municipality, to handle the national environmental crises. This bill played a key role in the promotion of environmentalism by holding sustainable green literacy workshops, fostering the skills of people in dealing with environmental issues, accommodating green literacy standards to popularize the sustainable environmental thinking, gathering information about the impacts of the information behavior and performance on the environment, and sharing these pieces of information with people on the social media.
Kosciejew, Marc (2020). Public libraries and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. IFLA Journal, 46(4), 328-346. DOI: 10.1177/0340035219898708
As motors of change driving development, public libraries, with their commitment to information provision and access, are crucial to the realization of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This article contributes to emerging Library and Information Science scholarship on the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by arguing for the central roles played by public libraries in realizing its goals. The purpose is twofold. First, it overviews the agenda's history coupled with the start of a literature review of the Library and Information Science research on it. Second, it presents a conceptual framework in which to approach the agenda's goals and associated targets within the context of public libraries. The ultimate aim is to establish a base for and expand awareness of the UN 2030 Agenda within the Library and Information Science discipline, in addition to promoting the importance of public libraries in advancing sustainable development efforts generally and the agenda specifically.
Audunson, Ragnar; Aabo, Svanhild; Blomgren, Roger; Evjen, Sunniva; Jochumsen, Henrik; Larsen, Haakon; Rasmussen, Casper Hvenegaard; Vaarheim, Andreas; Johnston, Jamie; Koizumi, Masanori (2019). Public libraries as an infrastructure for a sustainable public sphere. Journal of Documentation, 75(4), 773-790. DOI: 10.1108/JD-10-2018-0157
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the shaping of public libraries as an infrastructure for a sustainable public sphere through a comprehensive literature review. Design/methodology/approach: In order to capture the whole picture of this research field, we utilize comprehensive review methodology. The major research questions are: first, to what extent have research topics regarding libraries as public sphere institutions expanded and diversified? Which theoretical perspectives inform research? Second, which challenges and topics does the research focus upon, such as: social inclusion and equal access to information; digital inequalities; censorship and freedom of expression; and access to places and spaces with a democratic potential and the role of libraries in that respect? Third, what influence has social media exerted on libraries in the context of the expanding digital world? Findings: The authors identified mainly four themes regarding the public library and public sphere, such as: the importance of public libraries by using Habermas's theory; the function of meeting places within the public library and setting those places in the center of the library in order to enhance and encourage democracy; the relationship between social inclusion and public libraries and its functions in current society such as diminishing the digital divide; and the emerging electronic resources and arena of SNS in public libraries and utilizing them to reach citizens. Originality/value: Capturing the recent history of this research field through comprehensive review is valuable.
Engström, Lisa; Rivano Eckerdal, Johanna (2019). Public libraries as promoters of social sustainability? Proceedings of the Tenth International Conference on Conceptions of Library and Information Science, Ljubljana, Slovenia, June 16-19, 2019. Information Research, 24(4)
Introduction. The aim of this paper is to critically examine how public libraries are portrayed as contributing to social sustainability. Meanings ascribed to the concept are investigated and if, and then how, the public library is shaped in relation to it. Method. Library plans from five municipalities in Sweden are analysed and discussed in the light of previous research. Analysis. Bacchi's method `what´s the problem represented to be' is used to scrutinize what problem the public library is supposed to be part of the solution of. Results. Three policies represent the `problem' as a current threat to democratic values, safety and stability. By favouring social sustainability, the library contributes to robust communities and to enable trust. In two policies, sustainability is related to development and change. Conclusions. When libraries are put forth as places encouraging users to take responsibility for social sustainability a tremendous responsibility is placed on individuals. Our suggestion for disrupting this argument is to recognise social unrest as a consequence of inequalities and unequal distribution of resources and to acknowledge pluralism and difference. Thereby, libraries may contribute to social sustainability and democracy by being places where social antagonism can be transformed to agonism.
Michnik, Katarina (2015). Public libraries digital services and sustainability issues. The Bottom Line, 28(1/2), 34-43. DOI: 10.1108/BL-12-2014-0034
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study how Swedish local politicians perceive the impact of public library digital services on public libraries and to discuss how this can affect the sustainable development of public libraries. Design/methodology/approach Empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews with local politicians from 19 different Swedish municipalities. Data were treated to qualitative content analysis and discussed based on the concept of sustainable organization. Findings According to local politicians, public library digital services may affect public libraries through changes to libraries' physical spaces, librarians' tasks and competencies and libraries' economic situations. Based on these findings, public library digital services can both strengthen and weaken public library sustainability through, for example, increased access and expenditures, the latter of which may threaten public library sustainability. Research limitations/implications Interviews did not focus specifically on the politicians' views on public library digital services but dealt generally with their views on public libraries. To identify reasons for variations in views on this topic, follow-up interviews should be done. Data on views from public library managers would also be of use to determine the degree to which they are shared with local politicians. Originality/value When sustainability and public libraries are discussed, the focus is generally on the library's contribution to a sustainable society. Here, the focus is instead on the sustainability of the public library itself.
Miller, Kathryn (2010). Public libraries going green. Chicago: ALA Editions. ISBN: 9780838910184
Highly practical and bursting with ideas, this guide will serve as a quick reference source for going green in your library.
Dunford, Helen (2010). Public libraries going green: by Kathryn Miller: Book review. The Australian Library Journal, 59(4), 245. DOI: 10.1080/00049670.2010.10736044
ALA Public Library Handbook Series. Chicago: American Library Association, 2010. 103 pp., ISBN 9780838910184. Kathryn Miller suggests that the time has come for public libraries to accept the challenge to connect their community to environmental awareness and provide the education needed to change habits and lessen impacts on the environment. Her book is an interesting mix of green catchphrases and motherhood slogans combined with very practical tips on ways that libraries can become community leaders in environmental awareness.
Gaspar Pinto, Leonor; Ochôa, Paula (2018). Public libraries' contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: Gathering evidence and evaluating practices in Portugal. In Hauke, Petra; Charney, Madeleine; Sahavirta, Harri (Hrsg.), Going green: implementing sustainable strategies in libraries around the world (S. 46-59). De Gruyter Saur. DOI: 10.1515/9783110608878-006
Initiated in November 2016, the project Bibliotecas Públicas e Sustentabilidade: Recolha de Evidências da Contribuição para os ODS [Public Libraries and Sustainability: Gathering Evidence of Contribution to SDGs (Project PLS)] aims to develop a framework for evaluating public libraries’ contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tailor it to Portuguese public libraries. This paper discusses the role of impact evaluation practices and competencies in the processes of gathering evidence and advocacy towards libraries’ contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda, focusing on the project’s first stages. After presenting the research background and general methodological frame, the relevant approaches, methods and tools for assessing libraries’ contribution to sustainable development (SD) are examined, particularly the impact evaluation perspective. The resulting Model for Evaluating Public Libraries’ Contribution to SDGs is discussed as well as the alignment process with SD goals and national priorities by using the SDG# Mapping Tool. Finally, some key aspects of the ongoing research are presented.
Gaspar Pinto, Leonor; Ochôa, Paula (2017). Public libraries' contribution to Sustainable Development Goals: Gathering evidences and evaluating practices: Paper presented at the 83rd IFLA World Library and Information Congress, Wroclaw, Poland.
Initiated in November 2016, the project Public Libraries and Sustainability: Gathering Evidences of Contribution to SDGs (Project PLS) aims to develop a framework for evaluating public libraries’ contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and tailor it to Portuguese public libraries. This paper discusses the role of impact evaluation practices and competencies in evidence gathering and advocacy processes of libraries’ contribution to the UN 2030 Agenda, focusing on the Project first stages. After presenting the research background and general methodological frame, the relevant approaches, methods and tools for assessing libraries’ contribution to SD are examined, particularly the impact evaluation perspective. The resulting Model for Evaluating Public Libraries Contribution to SDGs is discussed, as well as the alignment process with SD goals and national priorities through the SDG# Mapping Tool. Finally, some key aspects of the ongoing research are presented.
Kleemola, Hanna (2019). Public libraries, literary art activities and social inclusion: Paper presented at IFLA WLIC 2019, Athens, Greece.
This paper focuses on literary art activities in public libraries. The aim is to stimulate discussion on how literary art activities can promote socially sustainable development, a sense of community, and social inclusion. In Finland, public libraries organise low-threshold literary art activities that encourage both written and verbal expression, e.g. literary art clubs, rap and comics workshops, and creative writing groups. Literary art activities provide opportunities for the improvement of literacy, self-expression and social readiness, and the strengthening of self-esteem and identity. Moreover, they can promote community spirit. Libraries respond to current societal challenges and the needs of special groups by tailoring activities for immigrants, people requiring special assistance, and people at risk of social exclusion. For the promotion of social goals, it is important that libraries reach out to people who are not active library users. Finally, the paper presents an ongoing doctoral research on literary art activities in Finnish, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, and Icelandic public libraries. The hypothesis of the research is that literary art activities in public libraries prevent social exclusion and promote social inclusion equality, and well-being.
Jordan, M. W. (2013). Public library gardens: Playing a role in ecologically sustainable communities. In Dudley, Michael (Hrsg.), Public libraries and resilient cities (S. 101-110). American Library Association
Nwofor, Florence Amaka; Udeze, Nkechi Sabina; Chikaodi, Hope Chinyere Ilorah (2019). Public library transforming communities: Innovative projects through partnerships for sustainable developments: Poster presented at IFLA WLIC 2019, Athens, Greece.
Kenneth Dike State Central e- Library (KDL) Awka, Anambra state library Board, South- Eastern Nigeria, introduced wide range innovative activities and programs between 2016 -2018. Its objective was to transform the communities by creating fun, sociocultural inclusion, improving the quality of life, facilitating lifelong learning and enhancing economic empowerment through collaboration, partnerships with corporate bodies and Higher Education Institutions. KDPL as an educational and cultural institution projected on meeting the communities’ needs. This proactive stance align with IFLA WLIC’s 2019 theme ‘Dialogue for change’, and the SDGs. KDPL developed diverse unique participatory programs as described by the poster which include: (i) Diverse reading activities for attracting children/young adults to print books –‘Spelling B’, reading programs ,schools outreach from and readership promotion campaign (ii) cultural heritage space- collecting and preserving communities’ artefacts, collection of oral history research documented resources of various topics/themes from collaboration with LIS Department , Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. (iii).Fun- filled social activities for children- hosting Christmas parties featuring dance and puppet shows.(iv).Skill acquisition programmes which include maker space for making bags/hats/hand fans ,sewing, arts and crafts such as painting, collage, lettering, drawing and tie and dye of fabrics.(v).Community services featuring cancer awareness talks , visit to orphanages /prisons and advocacy meetings with President Generals of town unions. (vi)ICTs involving Internet/automated services for training users and staff. (vii). Democratization programs for creating political awareness and sensitization of members of the community such as ‘vote not fight’, ‘my vote, my power’, Anambra Budget Team (ABUT). Methodology: the research is case study. Data was collected through participant observation. Photographs and text were used. These multifaceted projects resulted in increased library’s visibility, user base and the receipt of BEST PUBLIC LIBRARY AWARD 2018, from the Nigerian Library Association.
Peet, Lisa; Schwartz, Meredith (2019). Public properties | LJ's 2019 Design Institutes, Colorado Springs and Austin. Library Journal, 144(Dec 24)
When creating sustainable library designs, planners start by looking at elements that can be reused. Much inspired and practical design has emerged by repurposing and building on or around what already exists: structures, materials, public spaces, personnel---and, as two recent Library Journal Design Institutes demonstrated---community.
Jochumsen, Henrik; Johnston, Jamie; Vårheim, Andreas (2022). Pursuing sustainable futures through LAMs. In Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Casper; Rydbeck, Kerstin; Larsen, Haakon (Hrsg.), Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Transition (S. 215-228). Routledge. DOI: 10.4324/9781003188834-19
This chapter considers the ways libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) are meeting the challenges that the Scandinavian societies face in the twenty-first century and the roles the institutions play in pursuing sustainable futures. The following two sections illuminate how the Scandinavian LAM institutions respond and contribute to central parts of the sustainability agenda. The focus in the first section is on how the institutions are advancing environmental respon-sibility, and the second section looks at how they promote social equity related to diversity and equality. The two sections offer typologies that broadly group LAMs' activities in the related areas. A final section on the LAM institutions as part of the Nordic model provides a reflective perspective on the institutions as agents working on supporting sustainable futures. This chapter does not address economic sustainability directly. This is because the education-, innovation-, and inclusion-related activities and work being done associated with environ-mental and social sustainability provide support for economic sustainability and are more central to the role of the LAMs.
Une bibliothèque verte et durable est une bibliothèque qui tient compte de la durabilité environnementale, économique et sociale. Les bibliothèques vertes et durables peuvent être de n'importe quelle taille, mais elles doivent avoir une stratégie de développement durable claire.
Biblioblog; Freie Universität Berlin (2019). Radfahren in der Bibliothek
Wer bei den winterlichen Temperaturen das Fahrrad lieber im Keller stehen lässt, für den hat die Philologische Bibliothek gegenwärtig eine ganz besondere Alternative parat. Seit dem 10. Januar kann man im Lounge-Bereich im 3. Stock kräftig in die Pedale treten. Auf Anregung der Bibliotheksangestellten Janet Wagner wurde probeweise ein Fahrradergometer aufgestellt (s. ausführliche FU-Pressemitteilung). Das Fitness-Rad soll nicht nur beim erfolgreichen Lernen unterstützen oder die ein oder andere Weihnachtskalorie schmelzen lassen – mit dem selbst produzierten Strom lässt sich umweltschonend auch das eigene Smartphone oder Tablet aufladen.
Hrvatsko Knjižničarsko Društvo (HKD) (2021). Radna grupa za zelene knjivznice
Radna grupa za zelene knjivznice oformljena je u Splitu 2014. godine s ciljem uspostavljanja mrevze knjivznica prema postoje'cem obrascu istarskog projekta Zelena knjivznica koji postoji od 2011. godine (www.zk.dbi.hr), a s ciljem edukacije javnosti i podizanja svijesti o odrvzivom druvstvu i nuvznosti zavstite okolivsa kroz knjivznice i knjivznivcarska druvstva. Osim ovog segmenta, radna grupa se bavi i pitanjima energetske uvcinkovitosti u knjivznicama.
Please send comments, additions or suggestions to the bibliography to Beate Hörning.
The Bibliography Green Library is created in cooperation with the IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section (ENSULIB).
Vortrags-und Lehrtätigkeit in Deutschland und im Ausland
Vorsitzende der IFLA Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Special Interest Group (ENSULIB)
Herausgeberin und Autorin zahlreicher bibliothekspraktischer und -wissenschaftlicher Veröffentlichungen: Themenschwerpunkte: Publikationswesen, "Green Library", internationale Netzwerkarbeit