An Overview of Seed Libraries
Seed libraries
There has been very little research conducted on the impact of academic seed libraries, and in particular how existing seed libraries have contributed to a post-secondary institution’s larger objectives. Within the existing literature, Ingalls (2017; 2019) outlined the challenges of implementing a specific academic seed library. Through a literature review, Dean (2018) summarized how academic seed libraries could positively impact student communities, but none of the studies pertaining to seed libraries included quantitative data, and many of the conclusions were speculative. In exploring why and how seed libraries were created and operated, Peekhaus (2018) explains that seed libraries can be a community hub that have the potential to empower patrons through information, knowledge sharing, encouraging food production and engagement.
Seed libraries also serve an example of how libraries are emphasizing community engagement, knowledge transfer and connection with people, beyond the physical collection (Peekhaus, 2018). Other studies, like those by Beutelspacher and Meschede (2020) and Sahavirta (2012), explain that libraries can promote environmental sustainability through events, and distribute information through partnerships with outside organizations, because it allows information to be shared in a different way than a physical collection, in addition to creating an open dialogue. Overbey (2020) proposed library-run community gardens as a library and information studies (LIS)-based solution to improving food security. These studies, taken together, offer valuable insights into seed libraries. Many of the findings resounded with the information I gathered from the seed library informants in this study, including the lack of, and need for, seed self-sustainability, and the hope held by librarians that seed libraries can positively benefit patrons and the image of the library (Peekhaus, 2018), or that libraries view engagement as an important tool to contribute to environmental sustainability (Overbey, 2020). Most Canadian academic seed libraries are not unique and have many of the same opportunities or challenges as public seed libraries, and seed libraries in other countries.
Food security, seed libraries and systems of oppression
Dean and Mezick’s (2020) examination of two academic seed libraries in the United States revealed that the institutions highlighted food security as a goal. Further, the seed libraries included in their study were created in part to encourage patrons to lead a sustainable lifestyle (Dean & Mezick, 2020). However, Paganini and Lemke (2020) note that food insecurity is the result of long-standing structural inequalities within the food production system. Patterson et al. (2020) outline how food insecurity in the United States is an intersectional issue that affects Black, low income and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities at higher rates due to discriminatory practices that affect social and economic benefits. As a result, effective solutions to reduce food insecurity should also be intersectional. Seed libraries cannot solve an intersectional problem by providing tools that benefit and privilege white systems.
Soleri (2018) outlines that it is not a lack of resources (i.e., seeds), but rather the fundamental problem of structural racism that prohibits communities from accessing healthy food. As one of Soleri’s interviewee’s explained in reference to systemic discrimination and seed library patrons, “The fact that [patrons] can get alcohol faster than they can get an organic apple, that’s designed for them” (2018, p. 337). Seed libraries can respond to racism and exclusionary practices by giving value to seeds, and making linkages between gardens, community and health (Soleri, 2018). The work of seed librarians could be amplified with the understanding that food insecurity will not be solved by providing seeds. Rather, the seeds are a mechanism to raise awareness, provide information and make connections to the root causes of food injustice and insecurity. Seed libraries can be a venue for social justice activism, but this requires work (i.e., resources) and intentionality.
Gaps in existing research
In reviewing existing research on seed libraries, very few articles give any attention to systemic inequalities within the programs (Soleri, 2018 is an exception). Some articles note that seed libraries are a method to address food insecurity, but do not discuss the underlying reasons for food insecurity, such as structural racism, colonization, forced relocation and assimilation, and capitalism (McClintock, 2011; Norgaard et al., 2011; Williams-Forson, 2022). This demonstrates how in practice libraries can present programs as neutral and benevolent, while simultaneously concealing and perpetuating racism. LIS professionals can do better by their patrons and seek to make these linkages evident in their work. Applying an intersectional lens to the development and delivery of programs encourages critical thinking about underlying structures and systems. Looking at an issue through a larger perspective can lead to programs and services that are actively feminist, antiracist, decolonizing and far from neutral.