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The faculty and staff of the IU South Bend Library and Media Services are committed to supporting the sustainability initiatives led by other units on campus, as well as seeking additional ways to contribute to the environment. Major campus units involved with leading sustainability programs include Facilities Management, Information Technologies, the Recycling Committee, and the Center for a Sustainable Future.
Here is a description of the green initiatives in which the Library and Media Services participate:
Hammes Information Commons. This area on the first floor of the Schurz Library opened in the Fall 2007. Most of the furniture in this space is from Herman Miller, a company well known for its commitment to the environment. All our Herman Miller furniture consists of 21% - 62% recycled materials and each piece is 86% - 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life.
The Hammes Information Commons has carpet tiles from Lee's Carpet,another company well known for its sustainable efforts.
The lighting in the Hammes Information Commons is also energy efficient.
E-Resources. We have cancelled over 200 print journal titles and replaced them with their online format. This not only provides better access to our students and faculty, but also is much more environmentally responsible.
Book Recycling. Most books donated to the Schurz Library which are not added to our collection are donated to the Friends of the Library for their Used Book Sale held each spring. Some of these materials are given to Better World Books which offers the books for re-sale. Part of the net proceeds from Better World Books goes to support various literacy programs around the world and part comes back to the Library.
Occasionally, there are some books not appropriate for book sales. In these cases, we recycle them through an appropriate company.
Recycle bins for paper, plastic, and aluminum cans are located throughout the Schurz Library and the Educational Resource Commons.
Toner Cartridges are recycled.
Double sided printing is available in the Hammes Information Commons and all public printers are part of the Go Print management system.
Our Library and Media Services Newsletter is now distributed electronically on campus, rather than in print.
Books, journals, and media about sustainability are available in our collections. A bibliography [MS Word, PDF]of many of these resources is available.
Future initiatives include replacing plastic bags for users with ones that are made from degradable plastic that breaks down safely in water, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of inert residues.
If you have questions or suggestions for us about our Green Initiatives, please contact, Michele Russo, Dean of Library and Media Services, at mrusso@iusb.edu.
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