“Going green” and “green issues” seem to be flavour of the year at the moment and it behoves us all to do our bit in caring for our battered planet and its environment. This slender volume comes from the well‐respected stable of The American Library Association and sets out in a thorough (if slightly earnest) manner how public libraries in the twenty‐first century can contribute effectively towards caring for and improving our endangered environment. Providing relevant and useful information for the community, being involved with environmental education and awareness, providing leadership in the local community and leading by example are all good and effective roles the Library can play. We tend to forget how important and pervasive the library's role is in any community; we need as professionals to beat our drum a bit more vigorously!
“Green” libraries in a sustainable building are important and inspiring – witness Coventry University's acclaimed new “green” library. The opportunities for librarians to “think green” are many, even down to such mundane matters as appropriate cleaning materials and selecting and using “green” paint in their libraries. Other areas are dealt with effectively, such as lighting, packaging, water usage and transportation (does the Library encourage walking and cycling to get to the Library?). Recycling and reuse of library stock is dealt with clearly, including an interesting use of books as “art projects”.
So, an interesting book that might spark off some ideas among concerned practitioners. Despite the American bias this is a readable, well produced and laid out book, with good indexes and appendices.
