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Green Libraries

Welcome to Green Libraries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a ‘green library’?

The concept can take on many broad guises and has variously been applied to library buildings, strategies, equipment, data collection, services and projects, librarian qualifications and practice, external partnerships, and sustainable development (Fedorowicz-Kruszewska, 2022; Li and Yang, 2023). Here at Teesside, we want it to apply to raising concern for environmental issues and encouraging practical action. These webpages explore some of the action we've taken, what's happening at the University, and how you can get involved.  

How have 'Green Libraries' come about?

In response to UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP 26), the Green Libraries Partnership was launched in 2022 to ‘learn, inspire and engage with the sector and beyond to support a better climate agenda’ (Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, 2023) and was led by the Library and Information Association (CILIP). Work included the creation of a ‘Green Libraries Manifesto’, a set of seven principles to encourage and grow environmental initiatives across local communities. These are:

  • Bring environmental sustainability to the heart of decision-making
  • Innovate and evolve
  • Work with our communities
  • Use our voice for more impact
  • Work in partnership
  • Grow and share our knowledge
  • Support young people

Teesside University Library is just one of hundreds of libraries who have signed this pledge as the Green Libraries Partnership has moved to become the Green Libraries Campaign. Here at Teesside we aim to work with these pledges to provide informative events, provide opportunities for students, work with local community agencies, encourage sound environmental practice and proactive 'green' work. 

Green Library Reading

Antonelli, M. (2008) 'The Green Library Movement: An Overview and Beyond', Electronic Green Journal, 1(27) Available at: https://doi.org/10.5070/G312710757 
Aregbesola, A., Owolabi, S.E. and Adebisi, T. (2024) 'Going to the Cities: The Strategic Roles of Public Libraries in Promoting Sustainable Development Goals', Public Library, 43(3), pp. 367-384. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2023.2253692 
Fedorowicz-Kruszewska, M. (2022) 'Green library as a subject of research – a quantitative and qualitative perspective', Journal of Documentation, 78(4), pp. 912-932. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-08-2021-0156 
Li, S. and Yang, F. (2023) 'Green Library Research: A Bibliometric Analysis', Public Library Quarterly, 42(4), pp. 424-443. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2022.2116886