The SLI helps library leaders make sustainability a core value in everything from the design of their facilities to technology and programming. The certification program is a benchmarking system designed to provide libraries with the resources and guidelines needed to shift towards a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.
Under the leadership of Morgan Barker, Sustainability Librarian, and the Library Sustainability Working Group, the Cal Poly Humboldt Library worked toward the certification for two years. Many thanks go to the Library and the Emeritus & Retired Faculty & Staff Association for funding these efforts.
“It truly reflects the values we live every day at Cal Poly Humboldt,” Barker says. “Being with students, staff, faculty, and the community is how we authentically support sustainability concepts. In every area of the Library, we aim to draw out sustainability nuances, foster interdisciplinary connections, center community care, and more. This certification recognizes the quiet, thoughtful work happening to make that possible.”
The Library is advancing sustainability through initiatives that reduce waste, lower costs, and promote equitable access to education. This includes the textbook reserve program, where over 85% of required course materials are available for students to borrow, encouraging a “borrow before you buy” approach that minimizes overconsumption and supports student success. The Library is also home to the CSU’s only publishing house, as well as the CSU Journal of Sustainability and Climate Change, reducing barriers to information by ensuring open access materials.
“The Cal Poly Humboldt Library’s collaborative efforts, both locally and nationally, have yielded innovative models that will guide other educational institutions,” says the Library’s SLI mentor Nardia Cumberbatch.
Barker's role as a Sustainability Librarian is unique and plays an essential role in advancing campus-wide sustainability. Her position was created to support transformational efforts that are increasingly interdisciplinary and deeply embedded in the University’s mission. With the ability to connect people, projects, and knowledge across fields, Barker helps integrate sustainability into every corner of campus life—from student initiatives and place-based learning communities to faculty development and strategic planning.
These efforts align with Cal Poly Humboldt’s broader commitment to sustainability as a gold-rated AASHE STARS campus, with thriving sustainability efforts. This includes campus-wide initiatives such as the Zero Waste Action Plan and other points of pride.
Also notable is the Library’s dedication to community events, displays, and care. Addressing the unique challenges for student parents, the Library contains a children’s area and lactation room to remove obstacles to education. Additionally, therapy dogs visit each semester to offer stress relief during finals week.
For more information, please visit the Cal Poly Humboldt Library’s sustainability website, explore Cal Poly Humboldt’s campus-wide initiatives, or view their final presentation.
About the Sustainable Libraries Initiative
The Sustainable Libraries Initiative is a member-driven organization that empowers library professionals to be leaders in triple-bottom-line sustainability (environmental stewardship, social equity, and economic feasibility) both within their organizations and in their communities. The Sustainable Library Certification Program is now enrolling public and academic libraries, library systems, and school librarians.