Greening Libraries

It is difficult to turn on the television or read a news story today without learning about how green and sustainable practices are being implemented throughout society. Libraries are not exempt from these broader trends. In some cases, libraries and librarians have been at the forefront of these efforts. Greening Libraries provides library professionals with a collection of articles and papers that serve as a portal to understanding a wide range of green and sustainable practices within libraries and the library profession. The book's articles come from a variety of perspectives on a wide range of topics related to green practices, sustainability and the library profession. Greening Libraries offers an overview of important aspects of the growing green library movement, including, but not limited to, green buildings, alternative energy resources, conservation, green library services and practices, operations, programming, and outreach.

This work on going green in the library brings together 20 chapters written by 28 librarians in the U.S. and Canada. Organized into three sections, the chapters, or articles, address green buildings; green committees, services, and programs; and green resources and reflections. Including case studies of what was done well and how-to chapters for those wishing to start projects and processes of their own, this book will educate, inspire, and support librarians and administrators at all library types wishing to be more environmentally friendly. The writings range from narratives to heavily documented and supported scholarly essays. Although some of the ideas presented are of great use, the wide range of coverage may actually deter from the usefulness of the volume, as only a small piece will be applicable in any given situation. Still, this is a recommended resource for those interested in ecofriendly issues in libraries. --Sara Marcus