Eco-conscious Librarians: culture and practice

1. Eco-conscious Librarians: culture and practice Richard P. Hulser SCALL Institute March 6, 2010 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

2. Topics • Library operations • Vendor/Information Provider collaborations • Enterprise-wide initiatives • Personal activities • Eco-friendly culture Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

3. Environmental Circle Repurpose Recycle Reuse Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

4. Library Operations • Lending (recycling) books and other materials makes maximum use of scarce resources – libraries already do this • ILL/docdel distribution electronically instead of paper • E-content subscriptions instead of print – eliminates ‘check-in’, more timely access and updates  However, electronic ≠ less expensive in every case • Reduce 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, 2010

6. Paper Footprint Changing from managing paper to information exchange Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

7. 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 $$$ • Reduces e-mail glut and confusing versions thus saves time too • Share printers • Recycle bin for copier misfeeds/bad copies • Use back side of pages for local printers, note taking saves paper & $$ • Centralize used ink cartridges collection for recycling • Bin for paper clips etc. to use/reuse • Wireless implementation reduces need for wires, cables and outlets etc Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

8. 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

9. 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

10. National Geographic Society Library • Helped write Green Page for Intranet • Worked with cafeteria vendor to go green • Organized swap meets to help people recycle unneeded but still good supplies • Developed research guides and did due diligence on organizations may partner with in terms of carbon footprint • Served on enterprise-wide recycling committee • Helped organization earn Gold Building recognition Susan Fifer Canby, Vice President, Libraries & Information Services (retired) 2/10/2010 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

11. “Going Green” Outsell report Includes good listing of resource sites and blogs Case Studies: “Going Green: a call for action for information management.” Outsell IM Report August 13, 2009. http://www.outsellinc.com/information_managers/products/862 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

12. 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

13. 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

14. 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

15. Personal Activities • Reuse/recycling of paper, binders, clips, etc. • Conference bags for shopping and other purposes • Glass & china instead of disposable paper for meals and drinks • Tap or filtered water instead of bottled water Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

16. Eco-Friendly Culture • Set example and promote energy savings measures among other departments • Participate or lead sustainability, resources saving, environmentally friendly initiatives • Understand eco-friendly initiatives already in place at organization and incorporate into your operations Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

17. Trend forecaster Li Edelkoort talks about how green thinking is changing the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. “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/ Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

18. 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 TimesMay 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 Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010

19. Questions? rphulser@sbcglobal.nethttp://Cybrarianviews.com Richard P. Hulser March 6, 2010