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Sustainability spreads from the Central Library to the Internet

Written by Rachel Snyder, The Shorthorn staff

Tuesday, 19 January 2010 06:26 PM

Forensics Biology Junior Aamir Malik reads the One Book display that is located in the Central Library lobby. The display shows the different books that were presented in the winter. (The Shorthorn: Will LaVoncher)

As part of the campus’ sustainability initiative, a colorful and flowery display greets students as they walk into the Central Library. Reference assistant Joeli Gomez designed the sustainability-themed display featured on the Central Library first floor.

Gomez said the major themes included in the display are peak oil, the environment, sustainable living and Food, Inc. — a film about America’s food industry. These themes also stem from the current OneBook, Deep Economy.

Freshman Leaders On Campus sponsored a viewing of Food, Inc. last semester. The library has since purchased the film and has it available for check-out.

Gomez said the UTA Library has a Deep Economy guide on its site that can help students find the resources they need on most topics related to sustainability.

“I want students to be aware that the library’s here,” she said. “We have resources, and we have people who can help.”

Stephanie Abeoye, health care administration senior, said she doesn’t think students should have to read a book to learn about sustainability.

Where to view the display

The display will be on the Central Library first floor until Feb. 1, when a display for Black History Month will be erected.

“It’s a waste of time,” she said. “They should get more people involved and maybe organize a freshman group for it.”

Mary Guiton, biochemistry junior, said she likes the idea of getting students involved on the issue of sustainability.

“The environment is really important right now with the threat of greenhouse gases, and I think its good to change attitudes and habits about it,” she said.

Reference assistant Ellen Baskerville said she created a sustainability subject guide that lets students, faculty and staff know what steps the campus is taking towards sustainability. The guide also features groups on campus working to be more sustainable, such as the Environmental Society.

Baskerville said the guide makes it easier for students to find articles, encyclopedias and videos related to sustainability.

She said the UTA Library is doing its part to be more sustainable by participating in campus recycling, using 100 percent post-consumer content paper, using double-sided printing, recycling printer cartridges and even recycling technological trash, such as CDs, floppy disks and VHS tapes.

“I believe the universities are the cutting-edge of the sustainability movement,” Baskerville said. “You will be inheriting this planet and it’s important that we be leaders in the sustainability movement because we’re losing resources and have so many problems like pollution and overpopulation.”
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