Clarkson University Libraries First to Be Certified Sustainable

Clarkson University Libraries is the first academic library to complete the Sustainable Libraries Initiative’s (SLI) rigorous certification program. SLI’s Sustainable Libraries Certification Program (SLCP) provides library leaders with a tested, structured path forward to increase a library’s commitment to environmental stewardship, economic feasibility and social equity. The organization’s Academic Library Certification Program (ALCP) encourages collaboration with other campus sustainability efforts.

“Participating in a variety of University committees over the past several years has helped us to position Clarkson University Libraries as a vital agency in the campus sustainability mission,” says Dean of Libraries MICHELLE YOUNG.

“We know that environmental sustainability is at the core of Clarkson’s operations,” notes Young. “The University has consistently earned the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating walk similarly to older adults who fear falling. They constantly scan side to side for threats and display trouble turning. The researchers also noted that the participants whose questionnaires indicated feelings of anxiety had worse balance than their counterparts.

The team successfully identified people who were anxious with 75% accuracy, which is right in line with two previously published studies. Prof. Boolani and the research team are completing data collection on a more extensive study to see if they can get better results.

System (AASHE STARS) gold ratings. Our Libraries’ mission states: ‘Consider issues of sustainability in all of our practices.’ The way we see it, this declaration sets the tone for all faculty and staff to align their decisions, large and small, as they fit in with environmental best practices, consideration of social equity and fiscal responsibility.”

The SLI continues to pilot its ALCP with a full nationwide rollout of the program anticipated later this year. To learn more about the initiative, visit: sustainablelibrariesinitiative.org.