Green Libraries

Part of ACRL's Academic Library Building Design LibGuide.

Daylight and the spatial qualities of library study areas have profound effects on user behavior and productivity. This study investigated user satisfaction and the effect of daylight on users’ psychological behavior in the study areas of the Ozay Oral Library at Eastern Mediterranean University in Famagusta, North Cyprus, during the months of October, November, and December. The study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings indicated that daylight glare and intensity, as well as window location, can have both positive and negative influences on users’ moods and physical and mental behavior. An analysis of the questionnaires showed that the moods of 46% of students were affected by daylight in the study areas. Just over half of students said the daylight had a negative effect on their moods to varying degrees (28% of them said the daylight always influenced them negatively, while the others felt the daylight often or rarely had a negative effect on their moods). The data illustrated that users’ preferences when selecting a table in the study areas were strongly related to the average daylight in those areas but not necessarily the solar gain. Study areas with high levels of indirect daylight and no direct reflection on the tables had better functionality and higher user productivity than areas that lacked these traits. The study findings show that maximizing daylight quality and building function are valuable tools for designers looking to exploit the influence of daylight on users’ psychological behavior.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of green building technologies and practices and illustrate how public libraries can use them as tools to teach their communities about sustainability and foster behavior change. Design/methodology/approach – Through literature searches, case studies analysis, and individual phone and e-mail interviews, the author identified ways that public libraries can use their buildings to demonstrate green technologies and practices and show their patrons how to apply them at home, at work, and in the community. Findings – Education is a component of LEED certification. Many LEED certified libraries publicize a list of the green technologies used in their building projects. Some sponsor programs related to the green building and include permanent displays in the library to explain how the technology works. The Fayetteville Public Library went beyond these basic techniques to not only improve the sustainability of their operations

Results of a research project designed to allow staff of libraries and archives with significant humanities collections to confidently evaluate protocols for energy saving and sustainability, and to balance stewardship with fiscal realities and global responsibility.

With the LEED™ rating system in place it is easier to make sure your new library saves money as it treads lightly on natural resources

Provides an overview of designing library buildings to take advantage of daylighting.

Daylighting, a controlled architectural tool that influences users' perception and behavior, in university libraries and their influences on users' preference and satisfaction was examined in this study. The effects of daylighting in coordination with visual comfort, on university library users were measured in relation to four environmental processes, namely privacy, personal space, territoriality, and crowding. It was found that daylight and four environmental processes are related. It is believed that the consideration of this relationship will encourage students to use their libraries fully as an essential component of university education and campus life.

Illinois EPA fact sheet on proper handling and disposal of fluorescent lamps. Includes a list of lamp recyclers in Illinois.

Offers suggestions for transforming existing library buildings to make them more sustainable, with a focus on energy efficiency.

Section 436(h) of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) requires GSA to evaluate green building certification systems every five years to identify a system and certification level "deem(ed) to be most likely to encourage a comprehensive and environmentally sound approach to certification of green buildings." EISA directs the Director of GSA's Office of Federal High-Performance Green Buildings to provide the findings to the Secretary of Energy who, in consultation with the Department of Defense and GSA, formally identifies the system(s) to be used across the federal government.

Designed to help institutions maintain the best climate for preservation with the least consumption of energy.

A one-stop information source about recycling lamps (the term used in the lighting industry to refer to all types of light bulbs). Includes a recycling directory, links to energy efficiency resources, and a guide to federal and state laws and regulations.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the world's most widely used green building rating system. LEED certification provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, which offer environmental, social and governance benefits. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement, and it is backed by an entire industry of committed organizations and individuals paving the way for market transformation.

Guide developed by the Illinois Natural Resources Conservation Service. Includes information about site preparation, specific types of plants, and maintenance.

EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of available local options for recycling CFLs, fluorescent bulbs and other bulbs that contain mercury, and all other household hazardous wastes, rather than disposing of them in regular household trash.

Discusses how to design library buildings to minimize their environmental impact.

Excellent information on all aspects of building planning and design for public, academic, school, and special libraries. Includes links to relevant standards and resources. Lots of emphasis on sustainable building design. From the National Institute of Building Sciences.