Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Water Wise Landscape Practices: A Case Study For The City Of Gering, Christina E. Land

Community and Regional Planning Program: Professional Projects

This professional project is founded on my education, experiences, and networks. I have had the opportunity to use what I have learned thus far and be challenged to look at public planning from a different perspective. In partnership with the City of Gering I was able to get knee deep in the facility planning of the city owned property which is home to the Community Ever Green House. The project reviews how the property is integrated into the community and the impact it has. Then, identifies opportunities to improve overall functionality with a closer look at addressing hazard mitigation using …

Infopreneurship Skills As A Panacea For Sustainability Of Librarianship In The 21st Century, Fatima O. Momohjimoh Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper discussed infopreneurship skills as a means toward achieving sustainability in librarianship. The excruciating economic reality prevalent in Nigeria today and globally has compelled librarians and other professional practitioners to consider other means of income to support salary paid job to survive in this era of economic quagmire and also sustain professional relevance in the 21^st century. Infopreneurship skills has been identify as skills required to boast economic of a nation and maintaining sustainability in Librarianship, with the advent of information communication technology (ICT) where information is gotten at the fingertip. This paper started with the introduction of …

Greening Libraries For A Sustainable Future: A Comparative Analysis Of Green And Traditional Library Practices, Sudhakar Mishra

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper explores the future of libraries by comparing traditional library practices with emerging green library practices. With an increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, libraries are evolving to incorporate more eco-friendly practices to reduce their ecological footprint. This paper examines the definition of green libraries and highlights their significance in promoting sustainability and environmental awareness within communities. The paper reviews the differences between traditional libraries and green libraries, including the adoption of renewable energy sources, integration of natural features, use of smart building technologies, workshops and education programs, collaborations with community organizations, and advocacy for sustainable policies and initiatives. By …

Students’ Knowledge Of And Attitudes Toward Dairy Production: A Survey Methodology Report, Heather Akin, Babatope Akinyemi, Julia Mcquillan, Tami Brown-Brandl

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

This report presents findings from a pilot survey conducted among undergraduate and graduate students (N = 410) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln about students’ perspectives on technology usage, consumption, and sustainability in dairy production systems. An interdisciplinary research team developed the survey instrument and report. The main purpose of this pilot study was to create and administer survey items to support further research on experiential education and outreach opportunities related to robotics in small-scale dairy production and rural economic development. Descriptive findings indicated that most students had some familiarity with dairy production and the nutritional aspects of dairy products …

Survival Strategies Employed By State University Libraries In Zimbabwe In The Face Of Limited Funding, Edwin T. Madziwo, Josiline Phiri Chigwada

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study examined the survival strategies employed by state university libraries in Zimbabwe in the face of limited funding in 2014-2018. Financial and other challenges have had adverse effects on the provision of effective library services in most academic libraries world over. This study explored the funding models used by state university libraries in Zimbabwe and established fund raising strategies employed by such libraries. The research was qualitative in nature and used a multiple case-study methodology focusing on eight university libraries which were purposively selected. The data was collected using face to face and telephone interviews, and document analysis. The …

The Research And Design Of Sustainlnk: An Online Hub Of Sustainability Resources In Lincoln, Nebraska, Kayla Kremke

Honors Theses

SustainLNK (www.sustainlnk.org) is a website serving as a hub of sustainability resources in Lincoln, Nebraska. The site began as a personal project before becoming my UNL Honors Program Senior Project in Spring 2021, and consists of a website of resources along with two social media accounts providing more timely updates on sustainability-related events. This document outlines the thought and planning that was behind the development of the resource, along with relevant links to grow a deeper understanding of this new community resource.

Monitoring Environmental Policy Process: Indicators To Evaluate Performance, Stella Namanji, Charles A. Francis, Charles Ssekyewa, Geir Hofgaard Lieblein

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

The complexity of environmental policy development was examined in relation to sustainability, holistic and systems-thinking perspectives. We studied potential application of systems principles of coordination, representation, collaboration, participation and teamwork to improve policy effectiveness at formulation, communication, implementation, and operationalisation of the environment policy in Uganda. The research unveiled the ineffectiveness of the Uganda National Environment Management Policy. We applied systems theory to develop a mechanism for monitoring effectiveness of environmental policies at national level, with the goal to identify key monitoring indicators. We used the soft systems methodology to identify occurring environmental problems causing forest loss. Results suggest that …

A Survey Of Dairy-Goat Keeping In Zanzibar, Tiffanie Stone, Charles A. Francis, L. O. Eik

Department of Agronomy and Horticulture: Faculty Publications

Dairy goats with improved genetics for milk production were recently introduced onto small-scale farms in Zanzibar through governmental and non-governmental projects. These projects were meant to support small-scale farmers by improving both income and household nutrition through milk production. No follow up had been conducted to understand what effects dairy goat keeping had on these small-scale farms, or how they could be improved. A survey of 193 dairy goat farmers in Zanzibar was conducted, including 30% and 60% of all dairy goat farmers on Unguja and Pemba, the two largest islands, respectively. The objective was to understand the impact keeping …

Determinants Of Quality Performance Of Library Staff Of Academic Libraries, Edward Asante, Patrick Baayel, Kenneth Wilson Adjei Budu

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study investigated the determinants of quality performance of library staff of selected academic libraries in Ghana. The study aimed at establishing the core determinants of quality performance and its sustainability in academic libraries. The study chooses a quantitative approach where the questionnaires were used as instruments to collect data on information on determinants of quality performance of library staff in selected academic libraries in Ghana. Out of 151 questionnaires administered, 146 were obtained representing 96.6%. Smart PLS3 software was used to analyse the quantitative data collected. The convergent, discriminant validity assessment were all acceptable and within the thresholds. The …

Towards Institutional Repository Sustainability: Lecturers Awareness, Patronage And Content Submission To The University Of Cape Coast Repository, Ebenezer Martin-Yeboah, Christopher Kwame Filson, Kwame Boohene

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Having been hardest hit by the crisis of inadequate funding for journal subscription, academic institutions, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa have embraced open access institutional repositories as alternative means of scholarly communication. Upon the embrace of this approach to knowledge sharing, the University of Cape Coast’s Institutional Repository, UCCSpace, like most academic repositories, has had to contend with the issues of sustainability in the area of content recruitment. The study thus assesses lecturers’ awareness and perception of institutional repositories in the context of content population and sustainability of IRs. Through the Descriptive Survey Design, the study engages 714 lecturers in a …

The Role Of University Of Nebraska-Lincoln's Biodigester On Sustainable Food Waste Reduction Within Selleck Dining Center, Jennifer Gilbert

Honors Theses

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln took a major step toward sustainability this past fall when Dining Services installed their first ever biodigester on November 8, 2019 within Selleck Dining Center. The impact this biodigester has had, thus far, is observable in the form of quantitative data collected in the amount of food waste digested by this technology. This study focuses on analyzing collected data from the LFC Cloud database, while also searching for trends and patterns that could further suggest substantial impact and efficiency of the biodigester on food waste reduction and sustainability initiatives within UNL Dining Services. Data Tables and …

Environmental Activism, Ellen Dexter, Lydia Dexter

Honors Expanded Learning Clubs

An after school book club that follows Greta Thunberg's book of speeches No One is Too Small to Make a Difference , as well as uses hands-on activities to teach the importance of environmental activism.

The Awareness And Understanding Of Sustainability By The Academic Library Administrators: A Micro Level Investigation In Kolkata, India, Ashes Datta, Dr. Sabuj Kumar Chaudhuri

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The study tried to investigate the awareness and understanding of sustainability by the academic library administrators in Kolkata, India. For that, the study followed descriptive research design using survey method. A study population of sixteen library administrators across five universities of Kolkata participated in this study. A structured questionnaire was designed as a survey instrument consisting of mainly five sections; viz. 1. Awareness on overall Sustainability and its library related issues. 2. Information sources available on Sustainability and its library related issues. 3. Perception on ideal activities of a Sustainable Library. 4. Perceptions on potential impediments for transforming into a …

Environmental Sustainability In Libraries Through Green Practices/Services, Priti Singh (Junior Research Fellow), Rajani Mishra (Associate Professor)

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

This paper is an attempt to discuss the role of green practices/services which are incorporated within libraries towards environmentally sustainable. With continuous use and easy availability of new technologies like computer printers, faxes, and photocopiers etc. it is very important to protect the environment. Since, all these machines have an impact using paper, ink, and electricity on the environment. This paper begins with an explanation of sustainability, environmental sustainability, green printing, and copying etc. Further, demonstrates the various sustainable strategies for the libraries. And also highlights the strategies for overcoming the impact of paper use, ink use and electricity. This …

Sustainability Of Library Automation In Nigerian Libraries: A Case For Koha Open Source Software, Taofeek Oladokun, Lucia Folasade Kolawole Mrs

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

ABSTRACT

This study examined the sustainability of Library Open Source Software (with particular reference to KOHA) in Nigerian academic and research Libraries. Descriptive survey design was adopted with a total number of thirty five (35) libraries which were selected purposefully all over the six (6) geopolitical zones of Nigeria (twenty universities, both privates and publics, ten Polytechnics, and five colleges of education). Structure Questionnaire was used to generate data and this was analyzed using simple frequency and percentage. It was revealed that koha is gaining ground in Nigeria because of its reliability and community involvement. It also revealed that lack …

Cultural Memory In Danger: Sustainable Information, Preservation, And Technology In The Humanities: A Theoretical Approach, Casey D. Hoeve

UNL Libraries: Faculty Publications

Management of library collections is an inherently collaborative process. Spanning multiple generations, materials are selected that support user communities, as librarians strive to achieve optimization of storage and access at the lowest cost.i While established partnerships are crucial for the survival of libraries, within any cooperative network, there exist opportunities for divergent practices. Alternative initiatives may have progressive intentions, but competing systems and groups have the potential to disrupt recognized standards and infrastructure, some of which can prove detrimental to information organizations.

Abrupt format changes and technological advancements have altered the ways in which materials are currently acquired, accessed, and …

Using An Equilibrium Displacement Model To Simulate The Impact Of An Environmental Meat Tax On Grain And Livestock Markets, Regan Gilmore

UCARE Research Products

Research Question

What are the potential effects of imposing a hypothetical environmental tax on meat consumption, including beef, pork, and poultry, on the livestock and grain markets in the United States from farm to fork?

Faculty advisor: Azzeddine Azzam

This was the first half of my research project; the second half (with the results) is shown on the following poster: "Simulating the Impact of a CO2-equivalent Meat Tax on Grain and Livestock Markets" @ https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/ucareresearch/151/

Water Resources And The Historic Wells Of Barbuda: Tradition, Heritage And Hope For A Sustainable Future, Rebecca Boger, Sophia Perdikaris, Amy E. Potter, John Mussington, Reginald Murphy, Louise Thomas, Calvin Gore, Dwight Finch

Department of Anthropology: Faculty Publications

The island of Barbuda has a relatively unique history, land tenure and geography. Unlike its Caribbean counterparts, the island is not suited to large-scale agriculture due to its arid climate and relatively thin soils. Instead, the enslaved and eventually free people of Barbuda developed a complex herding ecology centered on common land ownership. As a result, carefully designed historic wells are strategically located around the island. With the challenges brought about by climate change, an interdisciplinary, international team led by the Barbuda Research Complex is investigating the state of existing water and food resources and examining how the availability and …

Assessment Of Land Use Dynamics And The Status Of Biodiversity Exploitation And Preservation In Nigeria, Abiodun Elijah Obayelu

Journal for the Advancement of Developing Economies

Land is the most important natural resource that affects every aspect of human life, while biodiversity constitutes the most important working component of a natural ecosystem. Land use and biodiversity are agricultural and ecological challenges presently facing Nigeria in her efforts at addressing the issue of agro-ecosystem transformation and sustainable land productivity. This study employed secondary sources of information to assess land reform act in Nigeria, the methodological framework to analyze the linkages between land use change and biodiversity, effects of land use on biodiversity, status of biodiversity and suggests ways to solving land use problems and biodiversity loss. Findings …

The Role Of Emotion In Environmental Decision Making, Hannah Dietrich

Department of Psychology: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Given the environmental concerns of our planet, it is imperative to consider issues of environmental sustainability. Researchers argue that the most serious environmental problems are not merely issues of science, but that of individual behavior. Solutions, therefore, must consider the role of the individual—how one can change his/her behaviors to be more environmentally conscious. The experience of negative or positive emotions, may impact not only people’s experiences with the environment, but also their tendency to engage in pro-environmental behavior. The present study sought to experimentally investigate the role of emotion and information on pro-environmental behavior change. Results indicate that neither …

“All Textbooks In The Library!” An Experiment With Library Reserves, Tony Greiner

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

In the fall of 2010, a grant of $36,000 allowed Portland Community College Library to purchase and place on reserve a copy of every required text at one of its campuses. A smaller college “center” also placed all required texts on reserve. The program was very popular with students and parts of the reserve collection received heavy use. Compared to the previous fall term, overall use of reserves at the Cascade Campus library rose 35%, and the Southeast Center collection saw an increase of 110%. However, use of the collection was unevenly distributed, with 26% of the books having more …

Strategic Discussions For Nebraska: Opportunities For Nebraska -- Food Scarcity, Mary Garbacz

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication: Faculty Publications

Strategic Discussions for Nebraska is a program in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources that produces an annual publication called Opportunities for Nebraska, focusing on a different topic each year. The publication is produced in hard copy and also is available online at www.sdn.unl.edu.

The content for each publication is produced by UNL students enrolled in a Magazine Writing course each spring semester, taught by the SDN coordinator. Students conduct interviews with UNL researchers and write stories for inclusion in the publication. The interviews are captured on video and are edited into video montages, …

Ecological Revival And Sustainable Living In The Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest Of Tamil Nadu: A Measurement Of Residential Perception In Sadhana Forest, Elizabeth Collette Mcguire

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

Since 1970, the role and function of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been to promote environmental quality and to form strategies for carrying out environmental policy¹. The EPA has committed to sustainability as the next level of environmental protection. The agency states that sustainability calls for policies and strategies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs². Presently, society’s requirements have resulted in natural resource exploitation and population distention- projected to reach 10 billion people within two human generations³. These paired occurrences are …

Sustainability Leader Competencies: A Grounded Theory Study, Pamela G. Schwalb

Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Scholarship

The purpose of this critical qualitative study was to develop a theory of the competencies of a sustainability leader, grounded in research. A sustainability leader is generally described as an individual who creates profit for his/her stakeholders, while protecting the environment and improving the lives of those for whom he/she impacts as a result of his/her leadership. Nearly 60 individuals familiar with sustainability were asked to characterize an effective leader of a sustainability initiative or a sustainability organization.

The study revealed there is more than one way to be a sustainability leader—different paths can result in decisions and actions that …

Designing A School Garden Space That Emphasizes Children's Wants And Uses Permaculture Design Methods, Mikhaela Mullins

Department of Environmental Studies: Undergraduate Student Theses

A case study was organized at Saratoga Elementary school in Lincoln, Nebraska to obtain data on what children desire in a garden space. To collect this data a school garden space was constructed and an after school garden club was implemented. Students who participated in the after school garden club partook in the study by drawing their ideal garden. Elements that the subjects drew were identified and categorized into ‘highly desired’ and ‘somewhat desired’.

These elements were then incorporated into a proposed garden design plan for Saratoga. The proposal plan uses Permaculture design methods to emphasize sustainability.

Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment Of Water Reuse Strategies In Residential Buildings And Communities, Derek J. Gardels

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The objective of this study was to determine the environmental sustainability and economic feasibility of five water reuse designs using economic input-output life cycle assessments and benefit/cost analyses. These five water reuse designs were evaluated for four regions of the United States including the Northwest (Seattle), Southwest (Scottsdale), Midwest (Omaha), and Southeast (Tampa). The water reuse designs include a greywater reuse system with no treatment for sub-surface landscape irrigation for a single-family residential house (Model 1), an indoor greywater reuse system with treatment for toilet flushing and laundry washing for a single-family residential house (Model 2), a hybrid untreated greywater …

Leading Innovation: Creating A Culture Of Sustainability Workshop Presentation, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Faculty and Staff Publications

A workshop designed to lead sustainable innovation with a focus on Dr. Connie's "5 Rays" of Innovation

Leading Innovation: Creating A Culture Of Sustainability Workbook, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Faculty and Staff Publications

A workbook designed to compliment the workshop, "Leading Innovation: Creating a Culture of Sustainability" and focused on teaching Dr. Connie's 5 Rays of Innovation

Leading Innovation: Creating A Culture Of Sustainability For Communities, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

Innovation is as essential to communities as it is to businesses and other organizations. This innovation workshop focused on core elements of leading innovation in communities.

Leading Innovation: Creating A Culture Of Sustainability, Connie I. Reimers-Hild

Kimmel Education and Research Center: Presentations and White Papers

Objectives of the Leading Innovation Session taught by Dr. Connie:

1) Introduce Concepts of Innovation

2) Understand Interrelatedness between Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation

3) Generate New Ideas for Your Business, Organization or Community!