Kurbanoğlu, S., Boustany, J. (2014). From Green Libraries to Green Information Literacy. In: Kurbanoğlu, S., Špiranec, S., Grassian, E., Mizrachi, D., Catts, R. (eds) Information Literacy. Lifelong Learning and Digital Citizenship in the 21st Century. ECIL 2014. Communications in Computer and Information Science, vol 492. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-14136-7_6 pp. 47-58.
The aim of this paper it “to examine how environmental issues can be incorporated into libraries (…) [and] to highlight how information literacy and information literacy instruction can be transformed into green [one]” (p. 48). I was especially interested in the second part of the purpose of this text.
The paper provides a very rich source of information on Green Libraries (buildings, green practices, information systems, and collections). This made a very interesting reading, especially that it is done in a concise and accessible manner.
However, in the context of my research, the most relevant part of it is when it starts talking about green literacy. It postulates that any information literacy (IL) is linked to green literacy, as it can reduce the impact of our actions on the environment. Making our searches more effective makes them more sustainable, for example. Additionally, IL supports critical thinking and helps to make informed decisions in any area of our life. I really like that idea.
We can “green” IL instructions by:
- Embracing green operations and practices (for example: using less printed materials in sessions, reusing it, using double-sided print options, recycling, using natural lighting, turning off screens when not in use).
- Embedding sustainable thinking into it (how to be sustainable when searching and using information, informing on impact of web searches, using green topics and resources).
- Exploring means of sharing ideas on going green (community of practice, working groups)
- Compiling factual information on the impact of information behaviours and sharing it with users.
I have been concentrating on the first 3 points of this list in my professional practice so far. I can see how all my actions in greening my IL sessions can benefit from implementing the 4th one.