Join the San José State University School of Information for this symposium in celebration of Earth Day!

Abstract: Earth Day was established in 1970, and since then, billions have called attention to the importance of working together to protect the planet and create a more sustainable world. This year’s theme for Earth Day is Planet Vs. Plastics calling to build a plastic-free planet. Loida Garcia-Febo will bring a keynote drawing on her experience as a library advocate at the United Nations and as Chair of the ALA United Nations Subcommittee highlighting how libraries and librarians around the world are contributing to preserving our planet. Guest speakers will share experiences living, working and contributing to preserve the planet in the Arctic and Antarctic. Erin Hollingsworth lives and works as a school librarian in the Arctic traveling on a bush airplane to serve a vast area. Laura London is a branch manager in Colorado who took a sabbatical to serve at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica. Join us and hear incredible stories of librarians’ superheroes saving our planet!

AGENDA

I. Welcome

• Dr. Anthony Chow, SJSU iSchool Director

II. Opening Keynote Address “From Antarctica to Alaska: Librarians joining the global movement to preserve our world”

• Loida Garcia-Febo, SJSU iSchool Health and Wellness Ambassador

III. Presentations 

• Erin Hollingsworth. District Librarian at North Slope Borough School District, Utqiagvik in the Arctic, Alaska
• Laura London, Branch Supervisor at Pikes Peak Library District, Colorado. Served at the McMurdo Station in Antarctica

IV. Panel Discussion moderated by Loida Garcia-Febo with Erin Hollingsworth and Laura London about preservation of our planet, actions by communities in the Arctic and volunteers in Antarctica, and libraries and librarians role 

V. Q&A and Concluding Remarks