[Web4lib] 100 Ways to Make Your Library a Little Greener

[McKiernan, Gerard [LIB]]

Colleagues/

 

A Great WeekEnd Discovery >>>100 Ways to Make Your Library a Little
Greener<<<

 

/Gerry 

 

April 21st, 2009

 

Librarians need to be on the constant cutting edge in terms of
technology, researching, web tools and even architecture and design. But
libraries are also a great place to educate the public and your students
about the environment, from eco-friendly lifestyle choices to
organizations that promote green causes. Here are 100 ways to make your
library a little greener.

 

>>>Please find below the First Three (3) listed in each category<<<

 

Maintenance and Green Building > Keep your library clean and
eco-friendly with these tips.

 

*Turn down the heat one or two degrees: Care2 writes that "each 1-degree
drop for an eight-hour period reduces your fuel bill percent," saving
you money and cutting down on electricity usage

*Use fans: If you can, install ceiling fans to cool down the library
without overusing the A/C. 

*Take advantage of windows: Strategically placed windows will provide
natural light and may help with heating or cooling costs. 

 

Hardware > Learn how to choose the right computers and resources by
reading this list.

 

*Purchase eco-friendly computers: When you need new computers, search
for eco-friendly versions. 

*Use laptops: Laptops use less electricity than desktop versions. 

*Know how to clean your computers: Eco-friendly, safe computer cleaning
tips include using biodegradable dust cloths and old t-shirts.

 

Special Events and Projects > Host special events like contests, and go
after environmental grants to raise awareness and become a greener
library.

 

*Apply for grants: Certain grants awarded by environmental agencies or
the government will help your library with funding for green projects
and renovations. 

*Start a paper drive: Ask the public and your students to bring in old
newspapers and other papers to recycle: they may even be turned into
books one day! 

*Hold recycling contests: Hold recycling contests between grades,
individuals, or against other libraries. 

 

Awareness > Spread awareness about your green policies through these
projects.

 

*Sell Fair Trade coffee in your snack area: Fair Trade coffee is used in
many academic libraries and is made in humane, eco-friendly conditions. 

*Go all out for Earth Month: It's not just about Earth Day anymore. Use
the whole month of April to showcase your library's green progress. 

*Sell eco-friendly snacks and drinks: Sell drinks and snacks that are
bottled and packaged in eco-friendly materials. 

 

Using the Web > Take advantage of all the web tools and sites you can
use to cut down on paper.

 

*SecondLife: Hold meetings and organize training workshops online
through the virtual world SecondLife instead of requiring employees to
drive to retreats. 

*Move accounts online: Cut down on paper notices and make it easier for
patrons to keep up with their accounts by making them accessible online

*Create an online catalog: Cut down on paper by moving your catalog onto
your website. 

 

Outdoors > Don't forget to turn your outdoor environment into a greener,
more sustainable spot.

 

*Start an organic garden: Grow a garden to spread awareness on
sustainability and provide a healthy eating option for participating
library patrons and workers. 

*Plant flowers: Show pride in your environment by planting in-season,
local flowers and shrubs. 

*Use safe pesticides: Safe and/or natural pesticides will help keep your
plants healthy without damaging your health or the environment. 

 

Networks > Make sure your library is tuned in to the latest
environmental news and trends by networking with these organizations and
through these platforms. You'll find materials for educating and
engaging your patrons, too.

 

*Care2: Care2 is a social network that organizes people who want to make
a difference by living green. 

*TreeHugger: Learn about the latest trends in green design, food,
fashion, building, travel and technology. 

*U.S. Fish and Wildlife: Learn about environmental contaminants,
pollutants that hurt animals and natural ecosystems, and how you can
help. 

 

Must-Read Resources > Librarians conscious about green projects will
need to keep up with these blogs and resources.

 

*The Green Library Blog: Read this blog to learn about green library
news and to get tips on how you can improve your library. 

*How to Green a Library Conference: Learn how to make your next library
conference or library meeting more eco-friendly. 

*Reducing Your Carbon Footprint: Get tips on being more energy efficient
and conscious of your lifestyle here. 

 

Everyday Tips > Switch to compostable library cards, set up a bike rack
and encourage the use of reusable bags to continue your green campaign

 

*Stop giving out bags: Encourage patrons to bring their own bags and
stop using plastic ones. 

*No more paper receipts: Ask patrons to access their account online to
discover when a book is due, or just stamp it the old-fashioned way. 

*Sell or distribute eco-friendly bags: Encourage patrons to carry their
library books in reusable bags, not plastic ones.

 

Links To The Full List Of The 100 As Well As Embedded Links Are
Available At 

 

[ http://tinyurl.com/p24bom ]

 

If You Have Any Other Recommendations/Suggestions Please Make These As
Comments On The Blog 

Entry.

 

Enjoy!

 

/Gerry

 

Gerry McKiernan

Associate Professor

Science and Technology Librarian

Iowa State University Library

Ames IA 50011

 

gerrymck at iastate.edu        

 

There is Nothing More Powerful Than An Idea Whose Time Has Come / Victor
Hugo 

[ http://www.blogger.com/profile/09093368136660604490   ]

 

Iowa: Where the Tall Corn Flows and the (North)West Wind Blows

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