Greening the Library

New Landmark Libraries have lots of green features

Michele Combs — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:26:54 +0000

Library Journal has published their 2012 list of “New Landmark Libraries.” Assessed on six criteria, one of which was sustainability, these five academic libraries and the two runners-up “deploy the latest building system efficiencies, minimize their building footprint’s impact on the surroundings, and improve the health of the internal environment through improved ventilation, advanced filtration, and the use of low-emitting materials and finishes.”

Perhaps the most noticeable thing across the board is the amount of glass used, letting in natural lighting and reducing the need for artificial light. Other green features include solar heated water, rain gardens, green roofs, reuse of existing buildings/space rather than new construction, low VOC furniture and supplies, stormwater capture/reuse and more.

Several architects will be participating in a panel discussion of two of the buildings on Tuesday, September 6 – follow the link for more info and to register. “[T]he 2012 five New Landmark Libraries represent the best of what academic libraries are today and provide a glimpse into the library of the future…They are flexible. They are green. They reinvent the library as the campus core in support of the whole student.”

Sharing Green-Living Tips

Elias Liquori — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:23:47 +0000

Head over to lydony.com to read and share tips for living an environmentally conscious and proactive life.

Lydony is a community of like-minded individuals sharing information on living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Starting as a blog in late 2011, Lydony looks to connect forward thinking individuals with the goal of increasing awareness of local and global issues and making our planet strong for many years to come.

With a new tip or share every day, Lydony is worth a look.

http://www.lydony.com/

New Jersey Institute of Technology assembles New Earth Archive

Michele Combs — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:19:04 +0000

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) has assembled the New Earth Archive, an online resource with student-targeted print, audiovisual and online resources relating to sustainability and the environment. The site lists “powerful and influential books on topics like climate change, biology, sociology, economics, politics, psychology, philosophy, and many, many other areas…that have the power to inspire college readers to change the world.” It also has links to videos, TED talks, news and media items, and more.

Visit the Archive >>>

Las Cruces (NM) City Library continues sustainable efforts

Michele Combs — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:18:03 +0000

Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, the main library for the City of Las Cruces, together with New Mexico State University (NMSU) will implement pollution prevention and energy efficiency strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and reduce facility costs. The library already recycles cardboard, paper, plastic and cans; takes discarded books to NMSU for re-use or disposal; sends shredded paper to the city’s animal shelter for bedding; and collects discarded eyeglasses for the Lion’s Club.

ALA offers “Greening Your Library” workshop

Michele Combs — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:10:33 +0000

Kathryn Miller, author of Public Libraries Going Green, will discuss practical ideas for how to become green, teach green, and lead green. Topics include:

What it means to be green
Ideas for your action plan
Socially responsible collection management, from purchase to disposal
Program ideas for children, young adults, and adults