Small library, big ideas: supporting education on climate action

Abstract

City of Dublin Education and Training Board (City of Dublin ETB) is the biggest learning provider in Dublin, Ireland, with over 3,000 staff and over 48,000 learners. The Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) provides staff support services which includes a one-person library. In late 2021, the CDU librarian was approached by two individual teachers (based in different parts of the organisation) who were looking for teaching resources on sustainable development and the climate crisis. She introduced them to each other and suggested to create an online community of practice (CoP) for teachers to exchange ideas and create resources. In order to advertise this new professional network, a webinar was organised with an Irish expert as keynote speaker. The session was well attended and the new CoP now has 17 members from a range of centres and colleges. It was realised quickly that the organisation needed a comprehensive strategy. Having gained support from senior management, a working group was put together (which included the librarian) to conduct a survey (June to September 2023) to capture all initiatives currently underway. The librarian will actively help shape City of Dublin ETB’s leadership role in educating citizens on sustainable development and climate action. The organisation puts the learner’s voice central to its service provision. The aim of the proposed new charter is to enable learners to become community ambassadors for action on climate, especially in marginalised groups and communities. The poster shows this journey and the outputs so far: - City of Dublin ETB has been accredited for a new 5-credit level 4 award in Environmental Sustainability Awareness and a special purpose award in climate justice (for learners and staff); - The librarian has now become involved with developing an Environmental/Sustainability policy for the whole organisation. Senior management has made this an area of priority.