A call for libraries to go green : an information behaviour perspective to draw interest from twenty-first century librarians

Abstract

PURPOSE – When confronted with a problem where the solution is not clear or obvious, a first step would be to search for more information, trying to make sense of the problem. The intention of this contribution is to make sense of the call for “libraries to go green”, while at the same time to show the potential of explicitly considering information behaviour and the need to draw on the full spectrum of information literacy skills (e.g. recognising and expressing an information need, seeking, using, and disseminating information) to stimulate librarians’ interest and confidence in taking on the challenge of going green and making a difference. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH – The column will be written against the background of research from information literacy, information behaviour, and research on sustainable and environmental friendly library and information (LIS) services. FINDINGS – Although rather a limited number, publications on “going green” and the “paperless” library/society address a variety of issues ranging from planning “green” library buildings, to assessing the experiences of LIS professionals in developing sustainable “green libraries”, to information behaviour in using e-books in academic contexts. Considering the finding and use of information on “going green”, from an information behaviour perspective, helps to bring many issues to consider in furthering research on “going green” to the front. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – Although much has been published about information behaviour and information literacy, and although attempts of publishing on various issues of “green” libraries are noted, the author is not aware of other work aligning these issues.