AUS Library commits to Green Library Manifesto on Earth Day

Libraries have long been celebrated as centers of knowledge and community engagement, upholding principles of resourcefulness and sustainability. This ethos finds new significance at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Library, as it recently marked Earth Day by embracing Green Library Manifesto.

The AUS Library is the first university library in the Middle East to join the Green Libraries initiative. The Green Library Manifesto represents a crucial step forward in promoting sustainable practices in library environments. By signing this manifesto, libraries commit to integrate sustainability principles into their operations, collections, services and facilities. It serves as a guiding framework for libraries worldwide to adopt environmentally responsible practices, reduce their carbon footprint and advocate for environmental awareness and action within their communities. Spearheaded by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals in the UK, this initiative collaborates with prominent organizations such as Arts Council England, British Library, Libraries Connected, and Julie’s Bicycle to drive sustainable change.

"Libraries are not just repositories of books; they are dynamic spaces that have the power to inspire positive change. By signing the Green Library Manifesto, we are not only committing to reducing our environmental footprint but also to nurturing a culture of sustainability within our community," said Kara Jones, University Librarian at AUS.

Working in collaboration with AUS Sustainability through the Green Office Program, the library is implementing tangible initiatives to advance sustainability. From promoting reusable drink containers to adopting energy-efficient lighting, these efforts underscore the library's dedication to leading by example.

"We have a long path ahead of us. But through initiatives like book recycling programs, digital signage adoption and waste separation efforts, we are steadily making progress towards a more sustainable future," said Jones.

Omar Al Nuaimi, Head of Sustainability at AUS, emphasized the significance of collaborative action in addressing global environmental challenges.

"At AUS, sustainability is a core value that permeates every aspect of our institution. The partnership between the AUS Library and AUS Sustainability through the Green Office Program exemplifies our commitment to collective action and underscores the importance of collaboration in driving meaningful change," he said.

AUS has ranked third in the UAE and among the world’s top 600 universities in sustainability, according to QS World University Rankings: Sustainability (2024). This marks AUS’ debut appearance in this ranking, emphasizing AUS' unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility and its leadership in fostering sustainability education in the region.

For more information about AUS’ sustainability initiatives, visit www.aus.edu/sustainability.

For more about the AUS Library, visit www.library.aus.edu.