The University of Aberdeen has a strong commitment to protecting the future of our planet and addressing environmental issues through its projects, research, and investments. To help the University achieve its Sustainable Development Goals and create an environment which focuses more on green issues, The University of Aberdeen has signed up to the CILIP Green Libraries Manifesto. This initiative brings libraries together with a shared vision to take environmental action into their own hands and to inspire others to follow their example.
As a direct consequence of joining the CILIP Green Libraries Manifesto, the Green Library Group has been set up by the Directorate of Digital and Information Services to explore and implement sustainability solutions for the library. We aim to provide library users with access to resources on sustainability and climate change, organise events to promote sustainability across campus, and forge relationships with the local community.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Terry Forbes.
Our Green Library Projects
- Displays and activities
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In partnership with Aberdeen City Libraries, we have been hosting displays and activities on sustainability in the library, signposting our users to resources on campus and local organisations interested in sustainability and caring for our environment. We highlight initiatives like Plastic Free July, and for Climate Week North East, Old Aberdeen Library also hosted a Bookbug session.
Looking forward, we would like to promote the University’s Sustainable Development Goals. These are closely tied to existing and upcoming research, and the ongoing activities around transport.
- Seed Swap
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In March 2024, a seed swap initiative was launched with community donations. 155 packets of seeds were distributed, making it a resounding success. We aim to relaunch in February each year in time for the sowing season.
- Plants in our Libraries
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Hydroponic Plants in the SDRL Floor 2 at the SDRL has recently undergone extensive refurbishment to meet the needs of our university community. To further improve the aesthetics and ‘well-being’ atmosphere of the floor, we have introduced conservatory plants.
Mark Paterson, Curator at Cruickshank Botanic Garden, has recommended to grow specific plants (initially – Peace Lily, Dracaena and Parlour Palm) using hydroponic methodology. Hydroponically grown plants are significantly easier to sustain in the library as the demands of diligent care for the plants are dramatically reduced compared to standard containerised plants. The absence of soil also reduces exposures to pests and diseases.
We now have a little greenery on SDRL Floor 2! While this is relatively modest (three plants placed around the central atrium) it has been carefully planned. The extent to which these plants thrive in our environment will now be monitored and reviewed to inform any future expansion.
Plants in Medical Library and Taylor Library We also have indoor house plants in Medical Library and Taylor Library. These are not hydroponic plants; they are living in soil and being planted in pots and containers.
- Reading List
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We have created a Reading List of titles held by the Aberdeen University Libraries on sustainability. Our plan is to maintain and regularly update the list of titles to reflect on the ever-growing range of resources in this field.
- Transport
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In March 2023, our new, fully electric van arrived to replace the old diesel model. This was the very first e-Van at the University of Aberdeen, and the initiative has been driven by the University of Aberdeen Libraries. We can claim a leadership role in contributing to the Aberdeen 2040 carbon neutral objective. Chargers have been installed in SDRL loading bay and at the Inverurie store.
- Events Calendar - Green Libraries Group Display ideas 2025
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January 26 January - International Day of Clean Energy
Ideas: UN Resources
February 17 February - Global Tourism Resilience Day
Ideas: UN Resources; UNWTO World Tourism Barometer; UNWTO Tourism Data Dashboard
March 20/21 March - World Day for Glaciers (2025 International Year of Glaciers Preservation)
Ideas: International Year of Glaciers
29 March - Earth Hour
Ideas: Earth Hour
April 22 April - International Mother Earth Day (Earth Day)
Ideas: UN Resources
May 21 May - International Tea Day
Ideas: UN Resources
June 3 June - World Bicycle Day
Ideas: UN Resources
July Plastic Free July
Ideas: Plastic Free July
August International Year of Quantum Science and Technology
Ideas: UNESCO Resources
September 20 September - 5 October (display from early September) - Climate Week North East
Ideas: Climate Week North East
October early October - Green Libraries Week
Ideas: Green Libraries Campaign
14 October - World Migratory Bird Day
Ideas: World Migratory Bird Day
November 26 November - World Sustainable Transport Day
Ideas: UN Resources
December 5 December - World Soil Day
Ideas: UN Resources
Our Green Library Activities and Events
- Training
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Members of the Green Library Group have already undertaken an online course to learn more about sustainability. The course was designed and provided by Estates of the University of Aberdeen. If you want to learn more about this topic and complete the course yourself, university members can find it in the training portal under the title: An Introduction to Sustainability. Please follow the link to the course here: University of Aberdeen Training: Sustainability
We can also recommend that you visit and read the Climate action page of the National Library of Scotland. You can find useful information and resources there, e.g., images, maps, e-resources, presentations. The National Library of Scotland also offers online courses (like Carbon Literacy for Libraries) to empower librarians to support climate action. It celebrates the sustainable model of libraries and advises on how they can support others to cut carbon emissions. Many of us have already undertaken this course to learn how to support sustainable communities - including academic communities.
- Library Textbook Giveaway – Adopt a Book
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Have you ever wondered what happens to all the books the library withdraws from stock, or the books that are donated but not added to our collections? Now, we can share the secret: they end up in our Book & Textbook Giveaway projects.
The University Library has two ‘adopt a book’ events annually: one in September and another one in February. The first Book Giveaway was held in September 2023, where we gave away 990 books to our students. The next year, we handed out 1080 books to library readers and donated 360 books to Books Abroad, a book charity supporting education in developing countries.
This year, we had a big Textbook Giveaway program, where students donated their unwanted textbooks to our libraries, and we gave these textbooks back to the student community.
The event went down really well with those students who were able to reach the trolleys in time! All three library sites participated, and it was a very popular event everywhere. At the Medical Library, we had 4 shelves of donated books which got reduced to about 4 books by the end of the first day! It would be great to think about how we can encourage more donations to meet more demand for next year.
- Green Libraries Week
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Between the 7th and 13th of October 2024, we celebrated Green Libraries Week.
We created a new Green Library Board at Taylor Library to advise our students on events and to promote sustainability on campus.
Also, as part of the celebration, librarians at the Medical Library replanted some spider plant babies from the “Mother” plant as a giveaway to students.
There were 6 plants for each site for students to adopt. The event was a great success with all plants being adopted by the end of the day and student feedback was very positive.
- Eco Wardrobe Giveaway
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In April 2025 we held an Eco Wardrobe Giveaway on the Ground Floor of the Sir Duncan Rice Library. This event was held in collaboration with the Aberdeen University Student Association (AUSA) to help promote their Swap Shop where they give away lots of items from clothing to kitchen items and stationary.
We focused on a clothes giveaway and filled several tables and clothes racks with clothes.
The event was very popular and lots of clothing was taken up by our students.
