Heather Cunningham
Heather Cunningham is the Assistant Director for Research & Innovation Services at the Gerstein Science Information Centre at the University of Toronto. She has a Master of Science in genetics as well as an MLIS from McGill University. She has been a professional librarian for over twenty-five years at the University of Toronto. She is accountable for the knowledge synthesis service as well as the entrepreneurship portfolios at her library. She was instrumental in the development of the highly successful science outreach and communication programming. She has presented on a wide range of topics including leadership, science and public engagement, responsible usage of research metrics, web development, and green strategies for academic libraries. She has co-authored knowledge synthesis reviews in the role of information specialist.
Session
Introduction: Integrating greenery in libraries offers benefits such as stress reduction, air quality improvement, and fostering relaxation. Numerous articles about library programming include workshops on gardening skills. Furthermore, library gardens and seed libraries can also be an innovative approach to mitigating food security.
Description: In Spring 2022, the Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto, introduced an indoor garden, a seed library, curated monograph collection, and lending services for gardening tools. The herbs and lettuce grown in the indoor units are harvested and quickly claimed by patrons. This project aimed to enhance the well-being of patrons and staff, foster community engagement and partnerships, and align with the library’s strategic plan of enhancing physical spaces and promoting health and wellness.
Outcomes: A survey on usage and motivations for using the garden and seed library revealed significant insights into the student population. Most respondents showed a preference for edible plants over ornamental ones in the garden units. Similarly, there was a notable interest in acquiring seeds for growing food. Over 2000 seed packets were distributed to students within a year of the project launch. The responses and comments also indicated the calming effect of gardening as a hobby and for wellbeing.
Discussion: Libraries have the potential to broaden their impact through gardens, not only as a means of psychological uplift but also as a tool to combat food insecurity. This can be achieved through direct provision of greens and herbs, seed distribution, or educational programming in partnership with campus organizations focused on sustainable food cultivation.