You have probably heard of OCLC, especially if you do any cataloging or do any training and professional development.
“OCLC is a global library cooperative that provides shared technology services, original research and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. We are librarians, technologists, researchers, pioneers, leaders and learners. With thousands of library members in more than 100 countries, we come together as OCLC to make information more accessible and more useful.
Whether we’re supporting advancements on the leading edge of science or helping children build a strong learning foundation, shared knowledge is the common thread. People can find the answers they need to solve important problems in their lives, in their communities and in the world. Together we make breakthroughs possible. Both big and small.”
Their Global Council has set their goals for sustainability – and we can all get involved!
Rise together around sustainability
“Libraries can bring unique strengths and collective muscle to global sustainability challenges. To inspire more conversations, expanded engagement, and action that leads to impact, OCLC’s Global Council has set its FY21 area of focus on sustainability.
In 2015, all United Nations Member States adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that included a list of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Publication of this agenda got the attention of many industries, including library organizations. Most notably, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) actively supports the roles libraries can play in planning and implementing the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs through its International Advocacy Programme (IAP).
To build on this momentum, the Global Council will support all 17 SDGs, focusing on the following five specifically as areas libraries can impact the most
- Quality education (SDG #4)
- Decent work and economic growth (SDG #8)
- Reduced inequalities (SDG #10)
- Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG #16)
- Partnerships for the goals (SDG #17)
These goals inform the research objectives of our survey and also guide the learning and professional development opportunities of our webinar series.”
You can take their survey here!
Get inspired to take action
Over the course of 2020–2021, we are bringing together global voices to help create awareness and dialogue around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Find out what others are doing and join in the conversation by sharing or asking questions.
Upcoming webinars
17 November 2020
Libraries and sustainability: A global perspective
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
08 December 2020
Start on your sustainability goals today
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
09 February 2021
Academic library work meets sustainable development
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
09 March 2021
Public library work meets sustainable development
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, North America [UTC -5]
11 May 2021
Sustainable development goals: Insights and inspiration
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time, North America [UTC -4]
Sign up for Transformative Leaders emails
Sign up to receive emails about OCLC’s Transformative Leaders webinar series. Events in the series cover topics of interest to current and future library leaders.