Tara Mawhinney, McGill University
Amanda Wheatley, McGill University
Sustainability is an important topic across all types of librarianship, enough so that ALA adopted it as a core value in 2019. For decades, librarians have been trying to address sustainability in their work, but with the growing climate crisis, this has become more and more difficult to pursue as a solo venture. Libraries can play a pivotal role in educating and supporting their communities on the topic of sustainability and climate action and the time is now. This paper presentation explores roles that librarians play in the fight against climate change by examining key ideas already in play and future suggestions to be implemented. Two librarians from [ ] University Library will discuss their experiences incorporating climate issues into instruction for diverse disciplines. The session will also cover how academic librarians can serve as active agents against climate change, as well as promote climate research within our communities. Examples will include climate advocacy in teaching and instruction, as well as how librarians with subject responsibilities can align their topics to the theme of sustainability. Participants will come away from the session with ideas for small actions they can implement right away in their daily work, as well as ideas for larger-scale changes within their library communities. These small actions or wins are essential to encourage the continued fight against climate change. Some examples that will be explored in this session include sustainable collection development, professional development opportunities and the amplification of the work of others.
9 сен 2024