Wnl 147 green library by alakananda
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Transcript of Wnl 147 green library by alakananda
GREEN LIBRARY IN INDIA:
A PROPOSED MODEL
Alakananda Deb
Assam University, Silchar, India
Email id: [email protected]
And
Nirupom Paul
Assam University, Silchar, India
Email id: [email protected]
INTRODUCTION
The living system of the earth is facing thethreat of global warming. The only solution tothis problem is to make the earth green as muchas possible and to make the emission of greenhouse gases as less as possible. The librariesas service oriented organizations can activelyparticipate in green revolution by adopting theconcept of green library. Libraries can itself bean ecological operator as well as a promoter ofenvironmental awareness. The present papersuggests a green library model most suitable inIndian context.
OBJECTIVES
To provide an Eco-friendly environment tothe library users and the service providers.
To conserve the natural resources for sakeof mankind.
To host a global message, being aknowledge organization.
To use the resources of nature to bebenefited in terms of big libraries.
To challenge the threat of global warming.
WHAT IS GREEN LIBRARY?
The Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science(ODLIS) defines green/sustainable libraries, as a librarydesigned to minimize negative impact on the naturalenvironment and maximize indoor environmental qualityby means of careful site selection, use of naturalconstruction materials and biodegradable products,conservation of resources (water, energy, paper), andresponsible waste disposal (recycling, etc.).
According to Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) “Agreen building is one which uses less water, optimizesenergy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generatesless waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants,as compared to a conventional building.”
WHY GREEN LIBRARIES?
Green library is that green building which uses less water,
optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources,
generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for
occupants, hence supporting environmentalism.
Green libraries can create an eco-friendly environment in
the library premises, thereby maintaining CO2 – O2 balance
of the environment.
A green library can create awareness about the effects of
global warming among the end users and can encourage
them to become eco-friendly with the environment in order
to minimize the effects of global warming.
GREEN LIBRARY IN INDIA Anna Centenary Library, Chennai is the only green library in India.
It was started with a vision to be an internationally recognized urban Libraryknown for excellence in learning, innovative research, and communityengagement that contributes to the economic vitality, environmentalsustainability, and quality of life in the Chennai region and beyond.
Anna Centenary Library, Chennai (Source: http://www.lcsind.org/images/news/Chennai-Library.pdf)
PROPOSED MODEL OF GREEN LIBRARY
Ground floor: There should be an eco friendly garden which provides a
pleasant environment for the users and viewers. The concept of indoor
gardening may attract many irregular users and convert them into regular
users of library. On the other hand if the library has the separate section
for children than the ground floor indoor gardening may create a greater
impact to attract children towards the library and the children will get an
environment for acquiring knowledge even when they are in playing
mood.
1st floor: The 1st floor should include the administrative office and the
technical section of the library. The interior can be designed with plants
and ornamental shrubs, the furniture of the library can be made out of
waste materials and by dead tree woods. At the 1st floor there may be a
comfortable zone and seating arrangement for senior citizens and
disabled persons. Or it may be extended to the outside of the main
building with the transparent roof protection.
2nd floor: In this floor the stacks can be kept and the general sitting
arrangement can be organized. If the library provides ICT services that have to
be accommodate in this floor. The roof above the sitting arrangement can be
made with the transparent roof panels for proper and natural lighting in the day
time and the exterior wall can be made with the glass shields which enable to
pass the natural light which can protect books from damage.
Roof: On the roof, solar panels can be established to consume solar energy
which makes the library a solar powered library. On the other end just above the
seating arrangement of the 2nd floor the transparent sun roof have to be set. And
the remaining part can be decorated with flower plants and other ornamental
plants that create an ecological design to the library.
Exterior: Outside the library a botanical garden can be created which
can act as a source for biological information and also as an attraction
tool for the information seekers.
CONCLUSION
Ecological sustainability is of great importance in thispace of Global Warming. It is the social responsibilityof libraries to create an eco-friendly environment andin the long run educate the users about ecologicalawareness. Green library play its role in thisperspective. In Indian context it is the high time tobuild more and more green libraries in order tocontribute in regaining environmental sustainability.USA leads in developing green libraries followed byCanada and others. India is lagging behind. Libraryprofessionals should work together in India to putforward a cost effective way in establishing greenlibraries in large numbers.
THANK YOU