There is wonderful and inspiring sustainable programming happening at UMass Amherst Libraries. One mover and shaker behind these initiatives is Madeleine Charney, the Sustainability Studies Liaison Librarian.
Madeleine is most excited about a new project she helped create called “Talking Truth: Finding Your Voice Around the Climate Crisis.” She states, “This initiative started in the fall 2015 and is co-hosted by the Libraries, Office of Civic Engagement and Service-Learning, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Psychology of Peace and Violence Program. One exciting tangible outcome was the springing off of a new student climate activist group. So, it’ really about Library as Place (for sustainability understanding) and Library as Partner.”
They also have planned Earth Day 2016 programming around this Talking Truth project and will be holding a book giveaway during earth week along with showing the film The Wisdom to Survive in the main library.
In addition to their incredible Sustainability Studies Liaison Librarian, UMass has also implemented a Sustainability Curriculum Initiative, an Undergraduate Sustainability Research Award, Sustainable T-shirts, and a Human Library. Checkout their Green Fact Sheet to see all the awesome sustainable actions happening at UMass Amherst.
Also, consider taking The Sustainability Movement on Campus: Forming a Library Action Plan for Engagement online course taught by Madeleine and Jamie Conklin (Duke University) this summer.
