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eco-library project
Beyond "Going Green"
The Illinois State Library asked that each library create a plan to make the library "more environmentally friendly". In order to do that well, the Rochester Library has worked with the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to create both a plan for the library and a resource for other librarians struggling with sustainability planning.
As patrons of the Rochester Library, you may be interested in changes that are coming your way. But as members of a community it's important to look for ways you too can lessen your impact on the environment. While reviewing our plan, look for ways you can apply some of these ideas to your own surroundings.
The Plan: Chapter Links and Highlights
Introduction
Learn about the importance of sustainability. Understand the methods used to create models of the Rochester Library environment and its users.
Chapter One: Energy Efficiency
Read about the many ways the Rochester Library can increase energy efficiency. Then, steal these ideas and use them in your own home or workplace! This chapter covers everything from heating and cooling issues to alternative commuting and transportation.
Chapter Two: Physical Environment - Exterior
Chapter two identifies ways to improve the library building. Focusing on landscape management, storm water management and many other low cost changes to the exterior, this chapter can easily be applied and adapted to meet the needs of other public spaces and households.
Chapter Three: Physical Environment - Interior
Linking sustainability and efficiency, chapter three looks at ways the library setting can be changed to improve both staff work-flows and the patron experience. See possible layouts of the library on page 83 and new design ideas on page 103.
Chapter Four: Programming
One of the most important elements of this chapter is the lending library. At the Rochester Library this will be a craft supply collection that is is organized just as our print collection is. Patrons will be able to borrow everything from knitting needles to a sewing machine. That means fewer people will buy endless amounts of supplies just to try out a new craft. But there's even more, read about other new programs we're considering.
Chapter Five: Conclusion
Bringing it all together in order to "engage, enlighten, and empower" library staff, users and the Rochester community.
Appendix
Read more about the research process and see additional models of the library environment. This chapter gives specifics about the Rochester Library that illustrate how the research from this study led to these fresh new ideas and practices.
Use the glossary to define any terms printed in bold throughout the book.
Additionally, the Appendix includes worksheets (pg 170) for those interested in developing a sustainability plan for their organization. Use the checklists to study energy use, the building exterior, and patron/employee behavior.