My Knowledge Portal

Citation:

Ylvisaker, C. (2010). Greening the library: collection development decision. Journal of the New Members Round Table. Vol. 1 Number 1. Retrieved October 3, 2011 http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/oversightgroups/comm/schres/endnotesvol1is1/3greeningthelibrary.pdf

Abstract

Many writes in the library literature have addressed sustainability of the collection with regard to increased prices, user need and format stability. To this list of concerns librarians should add the environmental impact of the different resources libraries choose. The article of Ylvisaker considers three facets of collection development: selection of materials whose content informs and assess green practices; de-selection processes that emphasize reusing and recycling materials; and a selection of a material format, specifically print or electronic, that honors the green dictum to reduce the carbon footprint an institution makes. The problem of reducing a library’s carbon footprint is perhaps the most complex and most contentious when it comes to the format of the collection. It is in the issue of print versus electronic resources that the present discussion of environmental sustainability will devote most of its focus.

3 Things I Learned

1. Collection development is not all about increasing the collection; we should also take into consideration green practices.

2. We could help promote a green library and green information through seminars, fora, selecting materials which contain green information, etc.

3. Weeding out of books, especially those which are worn out and outdated should not only be thrown away but should be reuse and recycle.

Application

Though we are now in the advent of fast changing technology where almost everything is introduce in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), we should not also forget that making our library “green” or making it environmentally sound institution is also a must.