Please join the San José State University School of Information for our symposium on Earth Day taking place Monday, April 21, 2025 at 10:00am-12:00pm Pacific Time.

To register for our FREE symposium, sign up today:
https://sjsu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HueSBTEcTSKRNC7qLhc8Nw

Join us for a thought-provoking and impactful event in honor of Earth Day 2025, where the global theme of OUR POWER, OUR PLANET invites us all to unite for renewable energy and environmental action. In this spirit, the Earth Day 2025 Symposium focuses on the intersection of digital sustainability and library services, exploring how technology can play a pivotal role in promoting a greener, more sustainable future.

Libraries are often at the forefront of digital innovation, and this event will dive into how libraries can leverage technology to not only improve operational efficiency but also significantly reduce their environmental footprint. With the urgency to triple the global generation of clean electricity by 2030, we ask: How can libraries, as hubs of knowledge and innovation, support sustainability goals? How can we harness digital solutions to reduce waste, optimize energy use, and engage communities in green practices?

This symposium will feature keynote speakers and an insightful panel discussion with industry leaders, sustainability experts, and library professionals who have been at the cutting edge of integrating digital solutions for greener library services. Speakers will share their experiences about how libraries are leading the way in digital sustainability, using technology to improve their operations and reduce environmental impact.

The event will conclude with a Q&A session where attendees can engage directly with our panelists and share their ideas on how libraries can play a key role in promoting sustainability through digital innovation.

AGENDA

Welcome and Introduction (10:00 a.m. – 10:10 a.m. Pacific Time)

• Dr. Anthony Chow, PhD: Professor and Director, SJSU iSchool
• Loida Garcia-Febo: Health and Wellness Ambassador SJSU School of Information

Keynote Panel: The Role of Libraries in Digital Sustainability (10:10 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. Pacific Time)

• Maggie Farrell, PhD: Dean of Libraries, University Libraries, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
• Mario Ascencio: College Librarian & Managing Director,  Art Center College of Design
• Phyllis Goodeill: Director of the Del Norte County Library
• Dr. Anthony Chow, PhD: Director and Professor, School of Information, College of Information, Sata and Society, SJSU. Library Technology Integration (LTI) Lab

Panel Discussion: Leveraging Technology for Greener Library Services (10:55 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Pacific Time)

• Oscar Gittemeier: Program Manager for Innovation and Community Engagement, San Diego Public Library
• Sandra Michelle Echols: School Librarian, Bibliotherapist, New York
• Phyllis Goodeill: Director of the Del Norte County Library
• Sarah Tribelhorn: Sciences and Sustainability Librarian, San Diego State University

Q&A from Attendees (11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Pacific Time)

Closing Remarks (11:40 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Pacific Time)