Sustainable strategies for making green image in University Libraries in Seven-Sister States, India: a study
01 Jan 2017-
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors deal with the University Libraries in North-East Indian states (seven-sister states) and find how far they are practising environment safety measures to keep a green environment in the library interior and exterior premises.
Abstract: The study deals with the University Libraries in North-East Indian states (seven-sister states). The problem of the study is to find how far University Libraries in the area are practising environment safety measures to keep a green environment in the library interior and exterior premises. Study population is eight Central University Libraries and six State University Libraries in North-East India. Survey is done through a structured questionnaire based on IFLA green library guidelines as available in the book- The Green Library: the challenge of environmental sustainability edited by Petra Hauke, Karen Latimer and Klaus Ulrich Werner. The study finds some initiatives taken by these university libraries towards environmental sustainability.
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01 Jan 2013
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01 Jan 2013
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Journal Article•
TL;DR: The potential for organizational instability should always be considered when proposed library functions and services are reviewed, especially when automation is involved, and sustainable automation can help prevent organizational instability.
Abstract: The potential for organizational instability should always be considered when proposed library functions and services are reviewed, especially when automation is involved. Sustainable automation can help prevent organizational instability. Planning for sustainable automation requires an environmental perspective, appropriate strategies, and a framework of ecological values. Organizational instability in libraries can result from organizational change. In the first part of this paper, the relationship between organizational change and instability is explored. Automation has a significant impact on library organization. In the second part of this paper, possible consequences of this impact are contrasted. Planning for sustainable library automation focuses on library organization. In the third part of this paper, the key elements of this planning style--an environmental perspective, appropriate strategies, and a framework of ecological values--are described. Organizational Change and Instability Change in library organization can be an unforeseen result of policies, plans, and procedures. Unforeseen change can be a disruption to library personnel working to achieve shared goals and objectives. The odds for disruption in functions and services increase the more fundamental the change. When this disruption occurs, organizational instability may result. Library organizational change is not likely to happen simply for the sake of change; instead, change is more likely to be associated with projects that introduce new functions and services. Still, when projects are reviewed, organizational change rarely receives the attention it warrants. This inattention can be intentional. Project reviewers can exclude discussion of organizational change from their deliberations, claiming that it is unlikely or unnecessary. After all, organizational change can require changing an organization's basic assumptions--assumptions that serve to define that organization's culture and mission.[1] Such change cannot be accomplished overnight and may seem too costly and too time-consuming. Nevertheless, failure to consider organizational change can result in serious disruptions to library functions and services during project implementation. Organizational factors to which these disruptions can be attributed include: conflicting goals, functions, and services; outdated, inflexible organizational structure; too few or too many decision-makers; inefficient channels of communication; insufficient allocation of personnel; poorly matched roles and skills; inadequate training programs; inadequate support (clerical, technical, administrative); inefficient workflows; and inaccurate accounting and budgeting. Such factors need to be identified during the initial consideration given new projects. Projects must be designed to avoid disruptions; otherwise, resulting disruptions to library functions and services can be significant enough to lead to organizational instability. This instability can be more serious when a new project involves automation, given the impact of automation on libraries. The Effect of Automation on Library Organization Computers and telecommunications have profound effects on the quantity, distance, and speed of information transfer. In turn, more information moving farther and faster has profound effects on how each of us processes information, perceives the world, and learns. Library personnel, like so many of the users they serve, have experienced significant change in the workplace due to technological innovations in information transfer. These innovations have not eliminated all preexisting modes of information transfer. In most libraries, computer workstations still coexist with shelves and tables for books, periodicals, and newspapers. Nevertheless, the rate of introduction and accumulated effect of modern innovations in information technology transcend earlier developments in communications. …
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10 Nov 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors provide a comprehensive review of tools to guide practitioners, property investors, policy makers and developers towards making informed choices in green building/infrastructure projects and compare the benefits and limitations of these tools.
Abstract: Purpose – Buildings/infrastructure are recognised to have a significant impact on the environment and the community, and hence there is pressure on industry practitioners to incorporate environmental and social considerations in addition to the traditional cost, time and quality. The development of sustainability reporting tools (SRTs) to assist in the management of “green” building/infrastructure projects is pivotal in informing on progress in sustainability practices. However, the rapid growth of SRTs in the last decade, with different criteria and methodology, has created complications for stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The paper provides a comprehensive review of tools to guide practitioners, property investors, policy makers and developers towards making informed choices in “green” building/infrastructure projects. Comparative analyses, benefits and limitations of these tools are discussed in the paper. Findings – Some of the findings from the analysis of SRTs include: an emphasis on env...
82 citations
TL;DR: In this survey, the main achievements of green cloud computing are reviewed, recent studies and developments are summarized, and environmental issues are specifically addressed.
Abstract: Cloud computing is a dynamic field of information and communication technologies (ICTs), introducing new challenges for environmental protection. Cloud computing technologies have a variety of application domains, since they offer scalability, are reliable and trustworthy, and offer high performance at relatively low cost. The cloud computing revolution is redesigning modern networking, and offering promising environmental protection prospects as well as economic and technological advantages. These technologies have the potential to improve energy efficiency and to reduce carbon footprints and (e-)waste. These features can transform cloud computing into green cloud computing. In this survey, we review the main achievements of green cloud computing. First, an overview of cloud computing is given. Then, recent studies and developments are summarized, and environmental issues are specifically addressed. Finally, future research directions and open problems regarding green cloud computing are presented. This survey is intended to serve as up-to-date guidance for research with respect to green cloud computing.
73 citations
TL;DR: If the current generation of librarians does not introduce radical changes in the role of libraries, their future is seriously threatened, according to a formula applied both retrospectively and futuristically.
Abstract: The evolution of libraries through three stages –modernization, automation and digitization- is analysed A formula is presented to evaluate the importance of libraries to our society, and it is applied both retrospectively and futuristically, extrapolating a 2030 scenario The conclusion is that if the current generation of librarians does not introduce radical changes in the role of libraries, their future is seriously threatened
24 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors adopt a holistic and integrated sustainability perspective, suggesting a mix-and-match approach to engage more context specific designs for sustainability to look into principles of consumption behavior and people's motivation in choosing their lifestyle.
Abstract: Understanding sustainability engages multiple views in a wide spectrum of technological, social and political positions. Over the last two decades it appears that an evolutionary process reflects a changing sustainability paradigm. At the basis of this changing paradigm remain strong principles of dematerialization, reflected in cuts in natural resource consumption, changing pathways to overcome lock-ins, mastering the art of economic innovation with ecological principles. This may engage new consumption attitudes and behavior. This review paper adopts a holistic and integrated sustainability perspective, suggesting a mix-and-match approach to engage more context specific designs for sustainability to look into principles of consumption behavior and people‘s motivation in choosing their lifestyle. Keywords: sustainability; lifestyles; consumer behavior 1. Introduction Initial discourses on sustainability in the mid-eighties mostly considered the dichotomy of environment-economy and the need for a process of convergence and conciliation between the two. The dominant discourse was based on material dimensions, represented by (simply stated) generation of wealth on the economy side and over-exploitation of resources on the environment side. The challenge was that given the limits of the environmental resources, the economy would have to pursue its objectives within the existing resource limits. The debate was fundamentally based upon material, physical issues. The social dimension was limited to the eventual beneficiaries of an improved economy-environment relationship. Many hopes were placed on technological solutions that would
22 citations
01 Jan 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of creating environmentally responsible library facilities and spaces in the 21st century is discussed, and best practice case studies from libraries, not only in Germany, but other countries in Europe will be presented as well.
Abstract: Meeting: 196 — Sustainability issues in the design of libraries: the importance of creating environmentally responsible library facilities and spaces in the 21st Century — Library Buildings and Equipment Section Abstract: Old buildings are being recycled into libraries all over the world. Many buildings were given a new purpose, such as an old grain silo, a post office, barracks, a brewery, a factory, a railway station, and a horse stable, to name but a few that were transformed into a library. The process of rededication of a building with a former different usage into a library means per se a special aspect of sustainability - it is quite obviously a matter of recycling. The transformation of an existing building with a prior non-library function into a library brings the challenge and the opportunity for sustainable thinking in library planning. As non- renewable resources are decreasing, reusing and recycling are going to become increasingly necessary in the future. The recycling of old buildings means reducing the ecological footprint of library buildings in a cost-effective and efficient way. Beside "green" aspects like water conservation, energy conservation, recycled or sustainable building materials, indoor air quality, and solar power from photo-voltaic panels, the planning of an adaptive reuse is a very different task than the planning of a library in a totally new building. Some best practice case studies from libraries, not only in Germany, but other countries in Europe will be presented as well.
18 citations