By George J. Aulisio
Libraries are organizations based on the principle of sustainability because they exist to share limited resources with a multitude of people, many of whom may not be able to afford access to those same materials.
The University of Scranton’s Weinberg Memorial Library has been directly participating in sustainability initiatives for more than a decade now. It leads by example in implementing green measures such as LED lighting, motion sensors, double-sided printing, print quotas, water bottle filling stations, hosting sustainability lectures, and environmentally themed art shows well before they became commonplace. In addition, the library attempts to collaborate with students, staff, and faculty on sustainability initiatives whenever possible.
A somewhat recent and notable collaborative sustainability project is Bike Scranton, a bicycle-sharing program initiated by the Lackawanna Heritage Authority (LHVA), a county municipal authority, and the University’s Sustainability Coordinator, who is a leader in the facilities and maintenance department.
Owen Worozbyt (above-right) of the Lackawanna Heritage Authority, a county municipal authority, and one of the University of Scranton’s sustainability partners, describes wood sculptures along a trail. Photo courtesy of Terrence E. Sweeney from the University of Scranton.
In 2015, the LHVA secured funding to purchase bicycles for lending to the local community. In this partnership, the Weinberg Memorial Library serves as a stable lending location that is open throughout the week and into the late evenings, which allows Lackawanna County residents, as well as Scranton University students, staff, and faculty, expanded access to the bicycles. Today, the bicycles are used for riding local heritage trails, and also for travel around the city by students interested in learning more about the area, and by community members to run errands around town.
To make Bike Scranton possible, the library leverages its technology, staff, and operations to track and lend materials such as bicycles and helmets in the same way we check out books and laptops. The program is highly successful, and we have added bicycles each season to accommodate increased demand.
Though the program is successful, it is not without its headaches. The circulation staff regularly deals with mundane issues such as loose brakes, chains, and seats, but also more complex issues, such as filing police reports when bikes are stolen. Furthermore, the library is in near-constant contact with the Sustainability Coordinator so bicycles receive regular maintenance to ensure that they are safe for our riders.
Though there are headaches involved, the library weighs the staffing burden and general woes against its commitment to sustainability and the benefit to our community. Every year we conclude that the positive impact of the program on our community and our shared home is well worth the extra effort.
George Aulisio is associate professor and chair of the Department of Faculty Librarians at the University of Scranton. He is currently completing his doctorate in philosophy at Temple University.
The featured cover photo (above) is courtesy of the University of Scranton.