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Resolution for the Adoption of Sustainability as a Core Value of NJLA

Resolution for the Adoption of Sustainability as a Core Value of NJLA
June 20, 2023

Whereas, the American Library Association (ALA) adopted the sustainability as a core value of librarianship at the 2019 ALA Midwinter Conference on January 29, 2019, resolving that the ALA:

  • Shall define sustainability using the “triple bottom line” conceptual framework: “To be truly sustainable, an organization or community must embody practices that are environmentally sound AND economically feasible AND socially equitable.”
  • Adopt “Sustainability,” as defined above, as a core value of librarianship.
  • Evolve accreditation standards to ensure the topic of sustainability is an inherent element in library school curriculum.
  • Provide ALA members with the necessary knowledge and resources to inspire, cultivate and encourage active leadership in the application of the triple bottom line framework to guide decisions for the future of our society.

Whereas, the NJLA was established in to advance the standards of librarianship in New Jersey, to protect the professional interests of NJLA members; to promote the progress and welfare of all types of New Jersey libraries; and to engage in such other educational, charitable, scientific, and literary enterprises as the membership may elect from time to time, among other charges;

Whereas, the New Jersey Library Association (NJLA) is represented as a Chapter of the ALA in the Council of the ALA;

Whereas, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s latest report, written and edited by 91 scientists from 40 countries who analyzed more than 6,000 scientific studies in October of 2018, finds that the immediate consequences of climate change are far more dire than originally predicted, calling for a transformation of the world economy at a speed and scale that has “no documented historic precedent” using the fundamental connections embedded in the Sustainable Development Goals;

Whereas, the Fourth National Climate Assessment4, issued in November 2018, finds that societal efforts to respond to climate change have not expanded at the scale needed to avoid substantial damages to the economy, environment, and human health over the coming decades; and

Whereas, NJLA, library professionals, and libraries of all types–academic, public, school and special–have the stature, energy, determination and will to build the coalitions, convene the conversations and act as the catalysts the world needs, not only today, but to inspire future generations, to take control of their future by working together to find the necessary adaptations and solutions to thrive as communities, now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the NJLA, on behalf of its members:

  1. Shall adopt for its own members resolutions 1, 2, and 4, previously adopted by the ALA on January 27, 2019, which:
    1. Define sustainability using the “triple bottom line” conceptual framework: “To be truly sustainable, an organization or community must embody practices that are environmentally sound AND economically feasible AND socially equitable.”
    2. Adopt “Sustainability,” as defined above, as a core value of NJLA.
    3. Provide NJLA members with the necessary knowledge and resources to inspire, cultivate and encourage active leadership in the application of the triple bottom line framework to guide decisions for the future of our society.

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