The University of Maryland Libraries are Certified Sustainable

The University of Maryland Libraries are the first in Maryland to complete the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program (SLCP) through the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI).

Using the Sustainable Library Certification Program to share the story of over a decade’s worth of hard work, the University of Maryland Libraries provide an exemplary model for academic libraries looking to empower and support their campus community in developing a culture of resilience, eco-literacy, and collaboration.

"The Sustainable Library Certification Program has given the University of Maryland Libraries a valuable seat at the table in advancing sustainability on campus. Sustainability should be a priority in every field, and the SLI shows exactly how it can be embedded into the mission and operations of libraries," said UMD Libraries’ Sustainability Graduate Assistant Julia Ethan.

Ethan’s work leading a waste audit for the library attracted nearly two-dozen student volunteers, racked up thousands of views on social media, and made headlines in two campus newspapers. In total, about 90 pounds of waste was sorted and analyzed to better inform the library on which items may have more responsible alternatives for disposal.

The library’s Top Textbooks on Reserve Program has saved UMD students over $1.5 million in textbook costs by providing free access to materials for 150 high-enrollment courses. The library also hosts the Speaking of Books Series that provides community members with the opportunity to hear free public talks by UMD faculty on their recently published work in a large variety of subject areas.  

"The University of Maryland Libraries have set a strong example by weaving sustainability into their core duties and services. By creating a model for other departments with the Greenspace Sustainability Badge and sharing their innovative practices, they've not only supported students' career and personal interests but also established themselves as a true leader in sustainability." said UMD’s SLI mentor Nardia Cumberbatch.

With this achievement, the University of Maryland Libraries become the fifth academic library to earn SLCP certification: an award-winning benchmarking system and community of practice designed to provide public libraries, academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians with exclusive resources and guidelines to shift towards a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.

“I am pleased the UMD Libraries achieved this distinction. Being certified sustainable upholds our values of stewardship and transformation. We are happy to take part in the Sustainable Libraries Initiative,” said Holly Mercer, the University of Maryland’s Dean of Libraries.

The Libraries plan to expand on their commitment in the future by performing another waste audit at the Hornbake Library and by supporting long-term sustainable initiatives with the newly created Lulu Barnachea Memorial Sustainability Fund.

"As the University of Maryland Libraries’ first sustainability-focused graduate assistant, I had the privilege of leading our SLCP certification effort,” added Ethan. “This experience has been invaluable—not only did I gain deep knowledge of sustainable operations and practices in a library setting, but I also learned how to lead and manage a team, balance competing priorities, and turn big-picture goals into actionable plans. The SLCP has defined my graduate experience and given me the confidence to launch my career in sustainability after graduation.”

For more information, please view The University of Maryland Libraries’ final presentation.  

About the Sustainable Libraries Initiative

The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is a member-driven organization that empowers library professionals to be leaders in triple-bottom-line sustainability (environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility) both within their organizations and in their communities. The Sustainable Library Certification Program is now enrolling public and academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians.

This story was originally published on the Sustainable Libraries Initiative website.