10 Academic Library buildings and infrastructure and safety issues

Trishanjit Kaur

 

Introduction 

 

The design of library buildings differs for each kind of library depending on the parent organization, its aims, objectives, functions, users, and resources. A public library building will be different from school, college library and university library will be unlike these. Academic libraries comprise of school, college, and university libraries. Among them design of each one is distinct in itself. This lesson will concentrate mainly on university library buildings. University library building architecture and designs have changed over years and undergone many changes. In India, a detailed doctoral study on University library buildings was done by Rajwant Singh in 1984 from University of Rajasthan and published in book form. It provides a detailed account of university libraries along with their plans. University architecture and designs have undergone a lot of change because of the influence and impact of information technology. The inner space is now devoted to computers and other technologies more than was done in traditional libraries. In the years after that there has been an increasing development from book- and – shelving dominated libraries to hybrid libraries, a combination of physical and digital services.

 

University Grants Commission & University Library Buildings 

 

Non-recurring grants are given to the university libraries by the UGC. They are mainly for the construction of library buildings and for the purchase of library furniture. The UGC Library Committee and the Building Development Committee (BDC) of the Indian Standards Institution (now BIS) have done a commendable work towards the planning of university library buildings in India. The planning of a university library building is a team work of librarian, architect, engineer and consultants. It‟s a long time consuming planning beginning with

  • Selection of site
  • Testing of soil for strength
  • Making building plan
  • Exterior and interior design
  • Layout plan of different Sections
  • Ventilation, Lighting and Air Conditioning
  • Fire and flood prevention

 

In India, funds are the biggest constraint for the construction of college and university library buildings.UGC which was established in 1956 has been providing financial assistance for collection development, acquisition of books and periodicals, purchase of furniture and equipment, and construction of new library buildings in colleges as well as universities. It provides 100 % grant under XII Five year plan for al building projects. However, no escalation cost over and above the allocation will be provided. There are guidelines for the composition of the Committee members in a university. A library development plan involves the construction of a new library building, and probably, also the remodeling of the existing library building. The functional design of library buildings, fittings, and furniture ensure efficient service. The library buildings, fittings, and furniture sectional committee of the Indian Standards Institution has brought out the following standards which are of considerable value in the planning of library buildings in the Library Development Plan.

 

Library Standards: Buildings, Furniture’s & Manpower 

 

Standards may be defined as officially adopted quantitative and qualitative norms which have been variously interpreted as the pattern of an ideal, a model procedure, a measure for appraisal, a stimulus for future development and improvement, and as an instrument to assist decision and action. In the context of libraries, the Standards are based on criteria, which can be instrumental in the measurements or assessment of the library services. These criteria are determined by the professional librarians in order to attain and maintain the objectives they set unto themselves. Library Standards are not only helpful in the library work but they also serve administrators and heads of the institutions in planning and administering the libraries. The Standards serve the dual function of the evaluation of the on-going services as well as of Planning better and improved services for the future. The Standards serve as indispensable aid to library authorities and Librarians in developing adequate book stocks, in functional and adequate building made, and in securing properly qualified personnel. This brings uniformity and order, without which a library is merely a storehouse of hidden riches. So, Let‟s start with the stage of the planning of the Libraries or Information Centre and the use of various standards in these. So now we can see what are the Standards there for the Planning of Libraries: –

 

1.  Building, Furniture’s and Fittings Planning:- 

 

Planning for optimum utilization of space is an important task. This implies the development of a functionally effective layout of the Information Centre. {Planning of the physical layout should, among other things, consider the overall objective and function of the Information centre and assess the space requirements.}

 

Indian Standards Institute which is now known as Bureau of Indian Standards, appointed Dr. S. R.   Ranganathan as the Chairman of its first Documentation Sectional Committee, which fixed (accorded) priority to the areas of library buildings, furniture’s and fittings. The Committee finalized its draft for Standards regarding Buildings, Furniture‟s and Fittings, and as a result IS: 1553 – 1960 Code of practice relating to Primary elements in the design of library building came into existence that gives information on the following things: –

 

i. The average size of different types of libraries in terms of the number of books bound volumes of periodicals, number of current periodicals for display, the number of seats for readers, and strength staff;

ii. The different kinds of rooms required for different libraries; and

iii. The basis and method of estimating the dimension of each kind of room, etc.

 

Since 1960 the following more Standards have been developed by the Indian Standards Institution, that are as follows: –

 

1.       IS : 2672 – 1966 Code of Practice for Library Lighting.

2.      IS : 1892 (Part I) – 1978 Specifications for Library Furniture‟s and Fittings, Part I : Timber (1st Revision).

3.      IS : 1892 (Part II) – 1977 Specifications for Library Furniture‟s and Fittings, Part II : Steel.

4.      IS : 1233 – 1969 Recommendations for Modular Coordination of Dimensions in the Building Industry (1st Revision).

5.      IS : 1172 – 1971 Code of Basic Requirements for Water Supply, Drainage, and Sanitation (2nd Revision).

6.      IS : 1883 – 1975 Metal Shelving Racks (Adjustable Type)(2nd Revision).

7.      IS : 8338 – 1976 Recommendations relating to Primary Elements in Design of School Library Buildings.

8.      IS : 3312 – 1974 Steel Shelving Cabinets (Adjustable Type)(1st Revision).

9.      IS : 4116 – 1976 Wooden Shelving Cabinets (Adjustable Type)(1st Revision)

 

All these Standards laid only the essential dimensions for proper functioning of the Fittings and Furniture‟s. Otherwise full freedom is given to the Architect to Plan and design the Library Building according to the best of his creative ability.

 

In the planning of library buildings, Ranganathan‟s five Laws of library science with their possible implications may be used as basic principles. On the other hand Kaula has summarized the principles enunciated by different specialists as follows:-

 

1.      Building should be designed on the functional basis;

2.      Physical design should be governed by the functions of the library;

3.      Interior details should be planned anterior to the exterior;

4.      Building should provide economy in administration and Operation;

5.      Main study areas should be close to the book shelves and stacks;

6.      Building should represent simplicity in character;

7.      Consideration should be given for expansion and anticipated development in the future;

8.      Physical conveniences should be in proportion to the number and nature of Clientele and library staff;

9.      Details of the library should be worked out, based on the existing data and the proportional future growth; and

10.     Plan of the building should be adaptable to the future growth and development.

 

Obviously, if planning has to be based on the above mentioned principles, a large amount of data pertaining to Document collection, Acquisition programme, Technical operations, Reading space, Accessibility to shelves, Circulation, Reference and Consultation , Specialized services (if any), and library personnel needs to be collected. The entire planning activity needs the participation of the librarian, architect, consultant, administrator and the constructor engineer.

 

After the planning of the space and building, another important thing is to be taken care of in the library, which is furniture and equipment planning, because it has been said that a library building is incomplete without the proper furniture, fitting and furnishings.

 

Since the selection of furniture is directly related to its intended function and location within the library or Information Centre, it should be made by the appropriate person. According to Thompson, the librarian should choose the shelving, catalogues and technical equipment and the architect should choose chairs and tables because these are the wares with which he is concerned throughout his professional life. Perhaps, it would be ideal if there is mutual  consultation between them in selecting the furniture. Furniture has to be ergonomically designed and furnishings have to be according to the climatic conditions of the place as India is a country of extreme weather conditions.

 

According to Mc Donald Ten qualities of Library Space, “It is recognized that good library space has ten important qualities and that, ideally, this new space should be;

  • Functional
  • Adaptable
  • Accessible
  • Varied
  • Interactive
  • Conducive
  • Environmentally suitable
  • Safe and secure
  • Efficient
  • Suitable for information technology

 

In addition, new library space should have the „oomph‟ or „wow‟ factor.

 

These generic qualities help to define what planners should be striving for in their new libraries and indicate the key issues upon which the librarian must have a view. They are the critical issues that should be addressed in the program statement or brief and should be discussed by the planning team throughout the planning process, and they provide some criteria against which design solutions can be assessed. Libraries are in a transition phase of becoming a „place‟ where a user feels comfortable and has access to reading material and to a computer and a work station. Library is becoming a place where he can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and interact. Idea is to attract users to the library so that they make use of resources and services of library. So that users get right information at the right time in the right environment.

 

 

 

Ergonomics 

 

In a highly competitive academic environment, the library is an essential component of an institution’s intellectual expression. Libraries must design their spaces in a way that meet the needs of 21 st century learning, teaching, and research. Ergonomics is an important aspect of design. Ergonomics is a scientific discipline concerned with improving productivity, health, safety, and comfort, and helping people and technology work together. Ergonomic design should support humans in achieving operational objectives. There are three goals in human-centered design.

 

1.  Enhance human abilities

2. Overcome human limitations

3. Foster user acceptance

 

To achieve these objectives, there are key elements of ergonomics to consider:

 

1. Workstation design: chairs, work surfaces, and accessories

2. Environment: space planning, use of colors, lighting, acoustics, air quality, thermal factors, etc.

 

The discussion of library ergonomics and modern design technologies has been largely restricted to libraries of developed western nations. There has been almost no attempt to improve libraries in India, and the issue has been largely ignored in academic libraries. Shelf space is crucial in library collection planning. Academic libraries that need additional space generally do not have open land to expand their storage. Many libraries have solved this problem by using compact shelving. Studies in libraries in the western nations show that up to 50 percent of the floor area can be saved by using compact shelving, because there is one access aisle for a number of ranges.

 

Illumination is also an important issue. There are specifications for illumination of reading areas, staff work areas, and shelves. The design of the library building should be such as to attract maximum sun light. Reading or working under insufficient light for considerable time causes eyestrain that may ultimately lead to eye disorders. Temperature and relative humidity are crucial factors in the preservation of library collections. Heat accelerates deterioration and humidity helps promote harmful chemical reactions. Heat and humidity encourage mold growth and insect activity. Low humidity can also be a problem, and cause materials to become brittle.

 

Noise level is another important factor that affects work in the library. Noise has a psychological effect and creates concentration problems in studying or work. Even when the library interior is quiet, there may be sound from outside that creates a problem.

 

Persons with Disabilities 

 

Persons with Disabilities (Equal opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act 1995 (PWD Act) in India is giving stress on equal rights for all. The National Policy for Persons with Disabilities was released on 10th February 2006. The Policy recognizes that Persons with Disabilities are valuable human resource for the country and seeks to create an environment that provides them equal opportunities, protection of their rights and full participation in society. (TK)

 

The Indian Higher Education system is said to be the world‟s third largest, preceded by the ones in China and United States. With nearly 140 million people in the college-going age group, one in every four graduates in the world will be a product of the Indian higher education system. However, higher education in India, in itself stands for a great contradiction. On one side, the Indian Institute of Technology ranks among the best universities in the entire world, and on the other there are numerous schools which lack proper infrastructure for basic student needs. In the midst of all these problems is a nation that is working towards ensuring equal access and education for all there is also need for providing social justice to all. At present there are 659 universities in India including central, state, private and deemed to be universities and nearly 17 million students are enrolled in universities.

 

Keeping in view the need to provide special education programmes as well as infrastructure to differently-abled persons in higher education institutions, the scheme is extended to the Twelfth Plan (2012-2017) . While taking admission in various courses there is a reservation policy and guidelines formulated by the apex body, University Grants Commission (UGC) for physically challenged students for each course and fees waiver is also offered in many courses. To empower differently-abled persons, “Most Central universities and, at least one State University in each state should have a Department of Disability Studies, which should address all issues relating to persons with disabilities–specially human rights, rehabilitation, education, etc.” University Grant Commission (UGC) in its circular (NO.F.6-1(CCP II) dated 9 January 2009) has mentioned:

  • To extend facilities of cassette recorders for Blind students in Universities
  • To provide facilities to persons with disabilities
  • To strictly follow the directions mentioned in PWD Act.
  • To introduce the Department of Disability Studies
  • To take steps to make the institutions barrier free.

 

UGC in its XI Plan guidelines has also mentioned – make the building disabled friendly and also a „barrier free access for persons with disabilities.‟ The environment should be barrier free for wheel chairs as well as for other mobility devices. But every university did not implement it. So the efforts continue and in the current XII Five Year Plan various schemes are offered by the UGC with grants for universities and colleges. “The institutions should create special facilities such as ramps, rails and special toilets, and make other necessary changes to suit the special needs of differently-abled persons. For this purpose, the UGC will make a one-time grant of up to Rs.10 lakhs per university during the plan period. The construction plans should clearly address the accessibility issues pertaining to disability.”

 

(http://enabled.in/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/UGC_schemes_universities_person-with-disabilities-Uni.pdf

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Handicapped University (JRHU) is the first university of its kind not only in India but also in the whole world. The university offers graduate, post-graduate and doctoral courses exclusively to disabled students. It was founded by Jagadguru Rambhadracharya in 2001, and established by the Government of Uttar Pradesh by the JRHU Act which also declared Jagadguru Rambhadracharya as the life-long chancellor of the university. The university is approved by the University Grants Commission and is entitled to donations being exempt from Income Tax under section 35 AC of the Income Tax Act of India, 1961…The learning of basic Sanskrit and Computer is compulsory at JRHU. The university believes that Sanskrit must be learned as it is the mother of all Indian languages and the essence of Indian culture, while knowledge of computers is necessary for the disabled to meet modern challenges. There is a high priority on character building and physical fitness. The learning methodologies are participative and interactive, and modern teaching aids suitable to the four types of disabled are used. The curriculum is enriched by seminars, symposia and Workshops at state and national levels to provide appropriate exposure to students. There are indoor and outdoor sports facilities specifically designed for disabled students. (http://jagadgururambhadracharya.org/jrhu.php)

 

Ministry for Social Justice and Empowerment chose Pondicherry University for the national award for being the Best Training Institution for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, 2011. This is the first university in India to be given this award, which is usually reserved for NGOs, special schools and training centres. “The University introduced a number of innovative steps for disabled students which includes free education as well as boarding and lodging at the university hostels, disabled friendly campus infrastructure” (Bharathy). The university library has many facilities for the visually impaired and the university has ensured that all the buildings have ramps, lifts that can accommodate wheel chairs. This is one unique example that should be emulated by other universities of India.

 

Safety Issues

 

Disaster in the context of library and information services is defined as “…any incident which threatens human safety and /or damages, or threatens to damage, a library‟s buildings, collections, contents, facilities or services” (Matthews and Eden, 1996). This damage can be either permanent or if fortunate, temporary. Fires can permanently destroy any traces of a library whereas it is possible to salvage documents from a flood. Disasters can be natural and man-made ones that are master minded by man either intentionally or accidentally. Most common ones are earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, landslides, fires or water damage, damage due to short circuiting of electricity. Disasters can also be due to lack of maintenance of building, leakages, poor storage and environmental control, vandalism, theft etc. Fire can be devastating to libraries. Proper fire safety is essential for any academic library.

 

Historically speaking, Taxila University, located in the city of Gandhara, known to be the first university in the world had an excellent library which had rich collection in different subjects. The city along with the university and its library were destroyed during the invasion of Hunas during the mid 15th century. (Sharma). Nalanda University boasted of a massive library called Dharma Gunj or Mountain of Knowledge that was set up in three buildings named Ratna Sagar, Ratnodavi  and  Ratnayanjak.  Ratnadadhi  was  nine  stories  tall  and  stored  the  most  sacred manuscripts including the Prajnaparamita Sutra and the Samajguhya. Nalanda University was destroyed many times but restored again. “… But it could not recover from the third and final blow dealt in 1193 AD by Bakhtiar Khilji, a general of Qutubuddin Aibak, out to uproot Buddhism. The Turkish invaders set blaze and destroyed the huge library of the university, said to rival one at Luxor in Egypt’. On September 15, 2014 the same daily, again, reiterated that „the original Nalanda University……was burnt down by an army of Turkish invaders in 1193’. (‘Nalanda varsity set to capture erstwhile glory in new avatar’, Hindustan Times, Patna, September 15, 2014). There is no consensus among the historians regarding facts about the destruction. But it is clear that both the oldest university libraries were destroyed and lost valuable collection of rare manuscripts.This historical background is important to understand that like any other buildings academic libraries have also been under threats of destruction due to theft, fire, natural disasters and other reasons.

 

India has 28 states and 7 union territories including one national capital territory of Delhi. “India is highly prone to natural disasters. Floods, droughts, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides have been recurrent phenomena. Manmade disasters also compounded the problem such as epidemics, fire etc. Out of 602 districts in the country 125 districts have been identified as most hazard prone areas… About 60% of the land area is prone to earthquakes where 55% is under Seismic zone III… About 40 million hectares is prone to floods and 8% of the total area is prone to cyclones. (Chandran 2006 b). India has witnessed and experienced major disasters in the past were Uttar Kashi earthquake (1991), Latur earthquake (1993), Super cyclone in Orissa (1999) and the earthquake in Gujarat (2001), South Asia tsunami (2004). According to the Disaster Management in India: A status report, In the decade 1990-2000, an average of about 4344 people lost their lives and about 30 million people were affected by disasters every year. (Status Report, 2004b). (TK)

 

It has been found from casual look at the websites of universities and university libraries that majority of the libraries do not have a sound disaster plan. The libraries are equipped with fire extinguishers etc but little is known as to how to operate them. Mock drills are rarely carried out and no follow up training sessions are organized.

 

“The shape of the library landscape in the 21st century and the future is slowly emerging. The new landscape combines the physical and virtual public library service and this should eventually be reflected in the building layout and its design. Developments are occurring slowly but libraries are increasingly looking at helping users to move seamlessly between printed and electronic resources.” (IFLA, 40).

 

 

 

References

  1. Sharma, Ravindra Kumar. In:Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science: Volume 39 – Supplement 4 . Ed by Allen Kent.P. 204.
  2. IFLA Library building guidelines: Developments and reflections. Edited on behalf of IFLA by Karen Latimer and Hellen Niegaard. Munchen: K.G. Saur, 2007
  3. Indian Standard- Design of Library Buildings- Recommendations relating to its primary elements (Second Revision). Second reprint 1992. (https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S03/is.1553.1989.pdf)
  4. Rajwant Singh. University library buildings in India. New Delhi: Academic Publications, 1984.
  5. Disaster Management for libraries and Archives. Ed by Graham Mathews and John Feather. Hampshire: Ashgate, 2003
  6. Challenges of Academic Library Management in Developing Countries edited by Thanuskodi, S. IGI Global
  7. Safe at Work? Library Security and Safety Issues. Teri R. Switzer. Scarecrow Press ,1999
  8. Chandra, A. M. etc. Ergonomic Issues in Academic Libraries in Kolkata, West Bengal: A Pilot Study . Library Philosophy and Practice 2009.
  9. Evans, Woody. Building Library 3.0: Issues in Creating a Culture of Participation. Cambridge: Chandos Publishing, 2009.
  10. Library Standards: Buildings, Furniture’s & Manpower
    Pramod Kumar Singh

 

Useful Links

  • http://www.nits.ac.in/workshops/Brochure_WNL_Conference_2123012015.pdf
  • What’s Next in Libraries? Trends, Space, and Partnerships