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Date:         Wed, 19 Aug 1992 14:40:41 -0700
              <CIRCPLUS@IDBSU.BITNET>
From:         Maresa Kirk <mkirk@JUPITER.WILLAMETTE.EDU>
Subject:      Re: "Green" Libraries
X-To:         "CIRCPLUS@IDBSU - LIBRARY CIRCULATION ISSUES"
              <CIRCPLUS%IDBSU.BitNet@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU>
X-cc:         Multiple recipients of list CIRCPLUS
              <CIRCPLUS%IDBSU.BitNet@pucc.PRINCETON.EDU>

Here at Willamette, we used to only be able to recycle limited paper products
(white paper, newspaper).  The University hired a recycling co-ordinator
to impliment a program that worked for the entire university.  She went to
each department and looked at what could be recycled and went to work.  We
now can recycle white paper, colored paper (mute tones, lined or unlined),
mixed paper (colored of darker tones), glossy paper (book jackets, etc.),
newspaper, cardboard (this we could recycle earlier, too), and other paper
based products.  We are still unable, at this time, to recycle plastic and
syrofoam (packaging,etc.).  We hope to bea able to, soon, though.  In each
work area, there is a centeral area to recycle the paper forms (matching
cardboard boxes labled appropriately).  Each desk has a box for white
paper, and near each terminal we have a computer paper box (I forgot to
place this in the list of new recyclables up above).  Circ. pretty much
determined & coordinated where these boxes should be placed at circ. &
A.V., and on the library floors.  Reference determined locations for their
work area.  We have one central "dumping" area located outside the library
(covered), and each area is responsible for dumping their "own" boxes, as
they fill up.  Whew, that was pretty long!
We are continually trying to cut the paper trail, using E-mail and route
slips (to cut down on photo-copying), we print fine notices only if they
are above $0.50, otherwise we are wasting about a ream of paper at
incredable speeds!  This cut our print notices beyond half.  Our language
has changed, as well.  Instead of saying "throw that out/away/in the
trash..." it is now "recycle that, please".
I think exposure and availability (ease) is the key.  If people have to go
too far out of their way, recycling will more than likely be limited.
Incentive to our student assistants also works;  if they pick up the pop
cans that inevitably make their way into the library, they are collected,
returned, and "treats" are purchased.  That works quite well.
Unfortunately, once paper makes it into the trash, it ends up in the
land-fill.  We would like to try to coordinate, somehow, with the
janatorial people to transfer all that paper into the appropriate
recycling dumpsters.  I don't even know how feasible, or if it is
possible, this is. I guess I can dream!  I'd say that is the biggest
hinderance.

For the library, as a whole, I would say Circ. plays the largest roll, at
this time.

Carpooling - the university (it may even be the same coordinater working
on this) is attempting to put together a carpooling plan.  A questionaire
was sent out to everyone asking if they would be interested, what they
wanted, would they drive or passenger, etc.  No news, as of yet.

I'd say we are all quite conciencous, and want more to be done.  I would
be very interested in hearing responses/ideas that come out of this question.
Can you forward those?  Thanks in advance, and sorry about the length of
my response:-).      Maresa
Maresa Kirk
Circulation Supervisor
Mark O. Hatfield Library               mkirk@willamette.edu
900 State St.                          (503)370-6312
Salem, Or  97301
.


On Mon, 17 Aug 1992, Catherine Weller wrote:

> Are there any libraries that have implemented a "green" library
> program?
>
> I am interested in learning how other institutions have
> addressed environmental issues.  I'd especially like to hear from
> libraries that have a comprehensive conservation plan, from
> recycling to buying recycled, public education, paper use reduction,
> carpooling, etc.  If you don't have a comprehensive plan, what do
> you do and how do you do it?  What helps and hindrances have you
> encountered?  What role, if any, does your Circulation department
> play in this green biz?
>
> This research is for a potential state library association program
> so any information will be helpful.  Reply to me directly or to
> the list, as you prefer.  I will summarize for the list if there
> is any interest.  Thanks in advance.
>
> Catherine G. Weller
> Circulation
> University of Utah Law Library
> WELLER@EDU-UTAH-LAW-ADMN1
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