Iowa State University Library Sustainability Task Force Report: Strategies for Conservation and Community Engagement

The Iowa State University Library Sustainability Task Force Report serves as a comprehensive guide for implementing sustainable practices within the library system. The report emphasizes the importance of conservation, community engagement, and collaboration as foundational elements in promoting sustainability. It outlines the necessity for libraries to adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining their role as vital community resources. The report is a response to President Gregory Geoffroy's call for a thorough review of practices to ensure that the university meets its sustainability goals by 2050. The task force, composed of various library members, aims to foster a culture of sustainability that aligns with the university's mission and values.

The task force established a set of core values that guide its sustainability efforts. These values include wise conservation of resources, reducing the carbon footprint, and educating the community about sustainable practices. The philosophy of the task force is rooted in the principles of reduction, reuse, and recycling, which are essential for fostering a sustainable environment. The report highlights the library's commitment to ethical stewardship and the importance of leading by example. As stated, 'The LSTF believes that its core directive is one of stewardship in providing services, resources, and instruction in a sustainable manner.' This commitment is crucial for libraries to remain relevant and effective in their educational roles.

The report introduces a framework based on the three-legged stool model of sustainability, which encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions. This model serves as a rubric for assessing sustainability initiatives within the library. The task force categorized its recommendations into three main areas: conservation, community, and collaboration/communication. Each category addresses specific practices and outreach efforts aimed at enhancing sustainability. For instance, conservation efforts include recommendations for building practices and purchasing decisions, while community engagement focuses on outreach to students and academic departments. The collaboration aspect emphasizes the importance of sharing resources and information with broader academic and community networks.

The report concludes with a detailed list of actionable recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable practices within the library. These recommendations are designed to be practical and achievable, ensuring that library staff and users can easily adopt them. The task force encourages libraries to implement strategies that not only reduce their environmental impact but also enhance their role as community leaders in sustainability. Notably, the report states, 'The ISU library takes great pride in its role as a partner in the ISU journey to become a national and international leader in sustainable research and practice.' This highlights the library's potential to influence broader sustainability efforts within the academic community and beyond.