SDSU Achieves Sustainable Libraries Initiative Certification
Under the leadership of Sarah Tribelhorn, Sciences and Sustainability Librarian, and the members of the University Library's "Green Team," San Diego State University has become the first academic library in California to earn certification from the Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI).
"To be the first SLI-certified library in a state known as a global leader in sustainability is an incredible accomplishment," said SDSU president Adela de la Torre. "In embracing SDSU's campus-wide commitment to sustainability, our library is proving that the collection and preservation of historical knowledge and creativity can go hand-in-hand with a forward-looking commitment to a brighter future through environmental and social stewardship."
As a leader on President de la Torre's Sustainability Advisory Committee and in partnership with campus and community partners, including the Center for Regional Sustainability, Associated Students' Green Love program, and the San Diego Circuit, the University Library has pursued a number of sustainability initiatives over the past two years, both as part of its strategic plan and as part of the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program (SLCP). According to Tribelhorn, the library's "engagement in sustainability through the SLCP has transformed its role on campus. The library directly supports student success by working to provide essential academic resources, reducing costs, enhancing well-being, and creating engaging spaces and programs . . . . [while also serving] as a vital partner in advancing the university's broader sustainability, diversity, and strategic goals, increasing its visibility, relevance, and value across the entire campus community."
"Sarah has been a leader in library-centered sustainability initiatives since her arrival on campus," according to Scott Walter, Dean of the SDSU University Library, "and was essential to our inclusion of sustainability goals in our current strategic plan." Walter continued, "her work exploring the alignment of library initiatives with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals was ground-breaking, and her efforts to build public programs with partners including the San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego County Library (also SLI-certified), and Cal Poly Humboldt demonstrate the powerful potential for collaboration across the cultural heritage sector on sustainability, health and wellness, community science, and climate resilience."
