University Libraries

Libraries are a critical component in the functioning of a University. With students, faculty, and staff using the libraries, it has both direct and indirect impacts on the lives of thousands of people. The libraries, just by its core function, have been contributing to intellectual sustainability – a “connecting thread” for the sustenance of life. It is essential for the libraries to become sustainable in all its operations if Indiana University is to contribute to a world that will continually have healthy impacts on future generations. An initial assessment was conducted this summer to determine where the libraries stand with respect to campus sustainability. The heads of 24 libraries and departments were interviewed to understand current practices in 7 major areas – Built Environment, Energy, Transportation, Food, Recycling/Resource Use, Academic Initiatives, and Environmental Quality. The data is mostly qualitative, and captures both factual and perception based factors. This assists in dealing with cultural change as that will accompany new initiatives. These data will be guiding factors in designing short term and long term strategies for the libraries to go in a direction of sustainability. It points to practices that need to be changed, processes that need to be reexamined, and areas that need to be further researched. The libraries are currently following many efficient practices, and any new steps are to make the organization more effective. The most important and fundamental step that needs to be taken is to actively engage all of its employees in the various efforts.