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