Greening the Library:
Collection Development Decisions
Concordia College
Virginia Connell
Library Instruction Librarian
This was a most interesting article and I did feel a certain amount of motivation from this reading, therefore I will briefly mention a few things I found helpful.
The article considers three facets of collection development: selection of materials, de-selection processes, and selection of a material format, specifically print or electronic.
Most of the discussion was devoted to the issue of print versus electronic resources, which is one of my main areas of concern when ordering materials. Because libraries are vested with the duty of maintaining knowledge and information from one generation to the next, like the article pointed out, we have to be concerned about sustainability. Books are ultimately more earth friendly than electronic resources. They can be used, reused, and recycled. Considering the Green Movement I must be on the right page, because I really do prefer books!
References were given (you who are involved in PLMI have the into) to provide us with a detailed look at the library's formal involvement in green activities. The ALA Task Force continues to actively addresses issues of greening the library. Many advocates within the library profession promote reusing books, recycling paper, investing in green library architecture, and providing green programming. One library converted on-site green space into a community garden, tended by patrons. This was an unexpected bit of information I received, since over a month ago one of our library customers volunteered to lead a group of adults during our Summer Reading Program. One of four projects the adult SRP participants accomplished was learning about raising gardens and growing vegetables in small spaces. They actually planted tomatoes and peppers in two different large pots and placed them in from of our little library. As a customer leaves the library then now can pick a pepper or tomato to take home for a meal.
