The Idea Team

I am Janet Wagner, a librarian who has been working in the Philological Library since 2013. I am a volunteer in the "Green Library Network" and "Libraries4Future". I see libraries as important players in climate protection and in supporting the 2030 Agenda and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Over the past two years, I have become increasingly involved in networking with the Energy and Sustainability Office at the FU Berlin and am trying to ensure that the 13 library locations with their approx. 450 employees also support the climate emergency goals.

Libraries are primarily important places of learning and provide support in research and teaching. However, they can also be a source of ideas and provide space as a "living lab", e.g. for research projects.

Since 2019, the indoor area of the Philological Library has been equipped with a power-generating bicycle ergometer. An alternative to sitting rigidly in the library as a place of learning. Exercise options in libraries - this shows that libraries are making learning spaces more attractive and innovative!

In addition to librarian duties for the English and Slavic Studies departments, I work in the University Library's communications team. I lead the "GreenFUBib" working group, which has been dealing with the topic of sustainability in everyday library life since 2021. I can combine many topics on sustainability and the initiatives at the FU Berlin with my work in the University Library's communications team and optimize networking within the university. At the "Blätterlaube" initiative in the FU Berlin community garden, I learn a lot about biodiversity and what an ecological garden actually is. I like the work meetings where you can see what you've achieved at the end.

I'm currently doing a part-time Master's degree in "Education-Sustainability-Transformation" at the University for Sustainable Development in Eberswalde.

About the Idea

The installation of a power-generating bicycle ergometer in the outdoor area on the Dahlem campus enables students to charge their mobile devices by moving around. In good weather, students work in front of the canteen area on Otto-von-Simson-Straße and have no charging options directly on site. The project aims to raise awareness: Where does Freie Universität get its electricity from? How much time and effort do I have to invest to recharge my mobile device? How can I personally reduce my digital footprint? Taking it for granted that you can get electricity from any power socket and leave your mobile device on 24/7 should make you critically question your own digital usage behavior while cycling.

The bicycle ergometer addresses the topic of "green electricity/green technologies". As part of the climate emergency declaration, it contributes to the visualization of individual sustainability behavior.

The ergometer can be used for community building on the topic of "Moved studying - studying moves". Suitable partners such as the UniSport of the FU, or the aspect: "Stress management during studies" together with the student advisory service brings participants together when using the ergometer and creates visibility for the offer to exercise and generate electricity.

Conclusion

A survey conducted during the University Days in June 2022 and elsewhere revealed that a majority of participating students would like to see more power sockets and electricity on campus. As a result, a request was made to the Technical Department for an inspection of five locations on the Dahlem campus (inner courtyard near the Philological Library, in the inner area of the Theaterhof between the Rostlaube and Silberlaube, at the entrance to Mensa FU II/the café at Otto-von-Simson Str. 26, in front of Mensa FU II on Rudi-Dutschke-Weg). Among other things, it should be examined whether it is possible to provide a small foundation for fixing the bicycle in the ground. In view of the hot months in the coming years, an installation with shade (tree or canopy) would be advantageous. Here too, an expert opinion was required as to where this is actually possible.

Unfortunately, the inspection never took place, which meant that the project could not be implemented.

Conclusion

I'm looking forward to continuing to network within the other FUturist projects and to taking along ideas that arise from them that can be realized with or in the FU libraries.

Contact

Janet Wagner