Last Updated on April 19, 2024, 12:41 pm ET
As the 2023 Julia C. Blixrud Scholarship recipient I was given the privilege to attend ARL’s first President’s Institute, titled “Embracing Sustainability—Libraries Leading the Way.” The attendees gathered on February 8, 2024, in San Diego, California, to explore avenues for addressing challenges in learning, research, and teaching while embracing sustainable practices.
The event began with a land acknowledgment by Trevor Dawes, the ARL president, recognizing the Indigenous land on which we convened. Amidst the opening remarks, I was deeply honored to be recognized for receiving the Julia C. Blixrud scholarship. From the interactions I had with some of her colleagues throughout the day at the institute, I know that Julia was a phenomenal and positive individual and a dedicated member of the ARL staff. I hope I can continue to carry her spirit in my work.
Henry McGhie, a consultant and founder of Curating Tomorrow, graced the stage as our keynote speaker, delivering a poignant message encapsulated in the phrase “Do more good and Do less harm.” His words resonated deeply, challenging the notion that simply “fixing” issues equates to progress. Instead, he advocated for a holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of simultaneously advancing positive initiatives while mitigating harm. McGhie also unpacked the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), urging organizations to adopt an “SDG lens” to guide their efforts towards achieving meaningful impact.
Following McGhie’s enlightening keynote, a panel comprising Leo Lo, Sibyl Schaefer, Morgan Barker, and Sarah Tribelhorn discussed sustainable libraries. Bart Murphy, chief technology & information officer at OCLC, moderated the panel discussion.
Leo Lo is dean and professor of the College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences at The University of New Mexico and the current president-elect of the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL). His work focuses on integrating Al into library services and advancing Al literacy among librarians.
Sibyl Schaefer is the digital preservation librarian and Chronpolis Program manager at UC San Diego. She established and leads the National Digital Stewardship Alliance (NDSA) Climate Watch Working Group, which tracks climate science and related media reports to assess impacts on digital preservation activities.
Morgan Barker is the sustainability librarian at Cal Poly Humboldt and a faculty member in the Business, Agriculture, and Career Technical Department at Shasta College. In her role as the sustainability librarian, she serves the campus in advancing the university’s environmental sustainability research and curriculum.
Sarah Tribelhorn is the sciences librarian at San Diego State University. She has been instrumental in leading sustainability initiatives in the University Library, including the formation of a Library Sustainability Committee and the library’s participation in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative Certification Program for academic libraries to benchmark sustainability within the library.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, the panelists echoed a common theme: collaboration. Their stories underscored the power of collective action in driving sustainability initiatives forward. This emphasis on collaboration struck a chord with me, reflecting on my experiences as a college advisor where increased visibility and engagement facilitated meaningful connections and impactful collaborations.
During the panel breakout sessions, I had the opportunity to delve deeper into discussions surrounding the role of libraries as catalysts for change. The conversations sparked profound reflections on the responsibilities of librarians and the scope of their work. The analogy of “swimming in the same pool but in different lanes” encapsulated the essence of our collective responsibility to nurture and maintain a conducive environment for collaboration and community engagement. Additionally, exploring the potential of AI in library work further expanded my understanding of leveraging technology for sustainable outcomes.
Henry McGhie returned to lead engaging workshops focused on sustainable development goals, encouraging participants to reflect on how librarians can contribute to these global objectives. The workshops underscored the importance of community engagement and collaborative efforts in driving meaningful change.
Collaboration emerged as a recurring theme throughout the institute, prompting me to explore its nuances further. As I engaged with fellow participants, I gained insights into the diverse forms that collaboration can take within the context of academic and research libraries. From interdisciplinary partnerships to community-led initiatives, the possibilities for collaboration seemed limitless. Moreover, I came to appreciate the transformative power of collective action in addressing complex challenges, as exemplified by the panelists’ experiences and workshop discussions.
The institute provided a unique platform for reflecting on the intersection of sustainability and librarianship. As I delved into discussions surrounding sustainable development goals and the role of libraries in advancing them, I was struck by the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The notion of libraries as catalysts for change resonated deeply, highlighting the pivotal role that librarians play in fostering sustainable practices within their communities. Moreover, the workshops facilitated a deeper understanding of the practical steps that librarians can take to integrate sustainability principles into their work, from promoting environmental stewardship to championing social justice initiatives.
As the institute drew to a close, I found myself reflecting on the insights and takeaways soaked up from the experience. From the importance of collaboration and community engagement to the imperative of embedding sustainability principles into library practice, the institute offered a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. Moreover, the connections forged and conversations sparked during the event catalyzed ongoing learning and growth. I am eager to continue exploring ways to leverage my role as an incoming information science professional to effect positive change within my community and beyond.
As I reflect on my experience at the ARL President’s Institute, I am filled with optimism and excitement for the future of academic and research libraries. The institute served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential inherent in collaboration, innovation, and collective action. Moving forward, I am committed to leveraging these principles to drive meaningful change within my organization and to contribute to the broader goal of creating a more sustainable and inclusive society. With visionary leadership and a spirit of collaboration, I am confident that academic and research libraries will continue to serve as catalysts for positive change in the years to come.
In conclusion, the ARL President’s Institute was a truly enriching and transformative experience, providing a platform for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and collaboration. As I integrate the insights and lessons learned from the institute into my practice, I am excited to embark on the journey toward a more sustainable and equitable future for academic and research libraries. With dedication, passion, and a commitment to collaboration, I have faith that we can overcome the challenges ahead and build a brighter tomorrow for our communities.
