Project Background

In 2021 Western University released its new strategic plan, including a key theme of 'Sustainability, an Imperative.' When the Collections and Content Strategies team investigated potential green collection practices, we noticed a considerable gap in the literature. To help realize this strategic priority, Western Libraries is conducting a ‘Green Audit’ to analyze the environmental impact of our collections and selection practices. Amid growing global climate concerns and the disproportionate impact of climate change on disadvantaged and marginalized communities, Western Libraries is seeking to start a conversation on how academic libraries can evaluate their selection practices to reduce the impact they have on the environment.