Published: May 8, 2023 by Loida Garcia-Febo, Health and Wellness Ambassador

Across the nation and the world, libraries and librarians are contributing to the sustainability of its organizations and the development of their cities every day. San Jose State University iSchool is contributing to Sustainability and the preservation of our planet as well.

The ALA and its Sustainability Round Table have stated that to thrive and evolve into the future, ALA and organizations must adopt the triple bottom line mindset of sustainability, meaning an organization’s practices must be not only economically feasible but also socially equitable and environmentally sound. ENSULIB, the Environment, Sustainability and Libraries Section of The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) has also stated their believe that green and sustainable libraries take into account environmental, economic and social sustainability. 

The United Nations (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include targets and objectives to guide countries on how to eradicate hunger, end poverty, better health and well-being of individuals, support climate action, life below water, and life on land, reduce inequalities, and to achieve decent working conditions, economic growth, and gender equality. The goals reflect the principles of the triple bottom line, including environmental, economic and social sustainability. Every day libraries all over the world help communities achieve development.

The UN has also expressed that the 5Ps of the SDGs are the five core principles that guide the implementation of the SDGs. These principles are:

• People

• Planet

• Prosperity

• Peace

• Partnership

These 5 Ps are inherently linked to the triple bottom line concept. As a matter of fact, the UN has declared that by focusing on the 5 Ps we can create a more equitable and sustainable world for all.

Based on all of the above, I investigated the SJSU iSchool activities to identify how the iSchool is advancing development and supporting sustainability. Here are my first findings:

SJSU iSchool Contributions to Sustainability                                                                 

The SJSU iSchool is contributing to Sustainability in many areas including teaching, research, organizational development, and partnerships. The Sustainable Development Report 2022 by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN) revealed that progress on sustainable development, globally, has slowed down. Governments, civic society, and organizations should work together like a one big team to achieve development and help improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.

Everyone can contribute from where they are. The SJSU iSchool is proving that library schools can and are contributing to a more sustainable world!