A call for libraries to go green

Abstract

PurposeWhen confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians' interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference.Design/methodology/approachThe column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services.FindingsAlthough rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e‐books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front.Originality/valueAlthough much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.

A Qualitative Case Study of Green Environment: Practices, Attitudes and Future Strategies of Pakistani University Librarians

“…The present study is important in highlighting the need for librarians' participation in environmental activities. This is consistent with the results of previous studies; for example, negligence of "green practices" in LIS (Fourie, 2012). Similarly, this study indicated that insufficient environmental awareness is prevalent in academic libraries.…”

“…A green library encompasses not only design, but also helps empower the community to take green initiatives. Climate change is a global issue and it raises questions for negligence of "green practices" in librarianship (Fourie, 2012). Therefore, it is time to propagate sustainability through libraries (Jankowska & Marcum, 2010;Hauke, 2014).…”

Environmental education in public libraries

“…Effective interventions are those that are practical and active rather than informational as they allow individuals to understand concrete ways in which they can change behaviour (Anderson, 2012). These interventions meet individuals where they are and demonstrate how to incorporate environmental actions into their lifestyle (Fourie, 2012).…”

“…The need to have an explicit commitment to environmentalism as part of a mission and vision is discussed, and how this needs to be implemented via policies and targets that are managed and monitored, integrating environmental management into the fabric of the library and its procedures. Fourie (2012) explores the notion of environmental management further alongside the importance of supporting "green" information seeking behaviour. The need for overarching collaboration through committees, strategic planning, creating coalitions of relevant disciplines, compiling reports and promoting research is explored.…”

“…Fourie (2012) explores the notion of environmental management further alongside the importance of supporting “green” information seeking behaviour. The need for overarching collaboration through committees, strategic planning, creating coalitions of relevant disciplines, compiling reports and promoting research is explored.…”