Greening the Library

Title: The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond

Source: Antonelli, M., (2008). The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond. USA: Minnesota State University – Mankato

Abstract:

This article discusses what green libraries are. The creation of libraries is approaching a tipping point, generating a Green Library Movement which is comprised of librarians, libraries, cities, towns, college and university campuses committed to greening libraries are reducing their environmental impact. Constructing a green library building using a performance standard like Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a way some librarians are choosing to become green and sustainable. Environmental challenges like energy depletion and climate change will influence the type of information resources and programs librarians will provide to their clients.

3 Things I Learned:

1. I learned things on how to be a librarian that is environment- friendly.  Like being environmentally supportive to our own home and libraries. That as librarian, we should treat the library as our second home.

2. I also learned that as librarians, we should support the green library movement worldwide because of the advantages that can be reflected to our own libraries.

3.In the simplest way, I learned what green libraries are. After reading this article, I learned that Green Library is a structure that is designed, built, renovated, operated, or re-used in an ecological and resource – efficient manner for the library.

Implications:

The time is right for librarians to step – up and help communities become green and sustainable. The role of the library is to serve its community. Communities need libraries and librarians to act as role models for sustainability by providing accurate information on all manner of green topics, from alternative building practices to renewable energy options. The time is also right for librarians to support and continue to grow the Green Library Movement.