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Implementation of Green Library Techniques at C.S.J.M. University Library: A

Viability Study

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Ekta Gupta et al., International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 08 Issue 06, June 2018, Page 46-50

Implementation of Green Library

Techniques at C.S.J.M. University Library:
A Viability Study
Ekta Gupta1, R. Natarajan2, Anjali Gulati3, and M. S. Batcha4
1,2,4
(Annamalai University, Annamalainagar, Tamilnadu, India)
3
(Isabella Thoburn P G College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India)
Abstract: Libraries can itself be an environmental machinist as well as supporter of ecological awareness. The
concept of Green library Green library is one concept which provide better atmosphere to the users of the
libraries. This study would help to explain the Green concept and its implementation in various areas of the
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj (C.S.J.M.) University Library. It would also provide a proposed model and
suggestions of Green library for the University library.
Keywords: Green library, CSJM University, Eco-friendly, Environmental Awareness.

I. INTRODUCTION
The living system on the earth is facing the problem of global warming. The only solution is to
decrease the emission of green house gases as much as possible. Being service oriented institution, the libraries,
can participate in ecological revolution by adopting the concept of green library. To save the planet from global
warming, we want everything to be ‘Green’. To decrease the negative impact on the environment quality by
different means such as, use of natural construction material, conservation of resources and careful site selection
may lead to concept of ‘Green’. The word ‘Green’ has a great importance here for a healthy service to user
community as it improved operation and procedure of the library. The libraries have specific challenges to over
all green building movement. Green libraries not only help to build the better environment but also to keep good
health for staff and users.
What is green library?
Green Library is designed and built with the intent to protect the community and environment. The
Green Library movement emerged in the early 1990s and it is gaining popularity in the field of Library and
Information Science profession. The library professional also trying to develop such a kind of library that will
minimize the electricity consumption, energy efficient and environment friendly.
According to Reitz (2003) “A green library designed to decrease the negative impact on the natural environment
and maximize indoor environmental quality by different means like use of natural construction material,
conservation of resources and careful site selection and biodegradable products”. The implementation of green
concepts ensure consumption of less energy, water and other resources throughout the entire life cycle (Jones,
2016)
According to Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) “A green building is one which uses less water,
optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for
occupants, as compared to a conventional building.”
In the Oxford English Dictionary (1989) the term ‘Green’ is defined as a “pertaining to, or supporting
environmentalism” (p.811).The term ‘sustainable’ relates to “forms of human economic activity and culture that
do not lead to environmental degradation, esp. avoiding the long term depletion of natural resources” (Oxford
English, 2008)
Thus Green Library improves day to day operation and procedure of the library, as well as educates the
community about environmental practices. Green library is the green building which uses less water, optimizes
energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants,
and eventually supports ecology system.

II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Prior to carry out this study the investigator has researched many articles on Green library from the
variety of sources and databases; a few articles were found relevant for the purpose. Meher & Pararbhoi (2017)
states about the Green Library concept as element required for being green, role of librarian and the present
green libraries of India at the present time. Datta (2015) discuss role of librarian, green team work, standard for
green building, green marketing mix and green washing which help in better environment as possible for
society. Peter & Patricia (2011) explain the global view of green building their standard design and different

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Ekta Gupta et al., International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 08 Issue 06, June 2018, Page 46-50

libraries of the world. Shabana in her study ( 2014) stressed the importance of green library environment for the
futuristic Libraries.
Sivasubramanian & Batcha (2012) in their study focused the global perspective on green thought
libraries and its urgency of incorporating in academic libraries. Malode (2014) describe what is element and
design of green library building and its condition in India. Shah, Kumar & Shah (2015) explain about the green
library its initiative and suggestion for the development of library in India. Vijayalakshmi (2012) explain about
green library its importance, method and benefit for going to be green. Divya & Vijayakumar (2017) discuss
Implementation of Green Library Techniques in all the section of Kerala University Library and show the
pictorial diagram for green library application with its recommendation.
Central Library of C. S. J. M. University, Kanpur
CSJM University (earlier known as Kanpur University) was established in 1966. The University was
only providing affiliation to the colleges later on University acts as a residential and opens various departments
for teaching. The Central Library of University was established on 1996. The Library has a double storey
building with the carpet area of 3704 sq.mt sufficient for administrative office, circulation counter, service
counter, digital section, computer work section, reading and collection areas. The library has a very rich
collection of more than 02 lakhs books, e-books, online journal, reference books, standard patents, thesis etc.
which help to fulfill the academic needs of students, research scholar and faculty members. For keeping the
better functioning of library operations it is divided into following sections:
 Acquisition section
 Technical section
 Maintenance section
 Circulation section
 Reference Section
 Administrative Section
 Information Technology Section
 Computer Laboratory for differently disabled person.
Objectives of the study
After study of many literatures available on this topic, we decided to confine to the following
objectives;
 The application of techniques for better functioning of each section of Central Library of CSJM
University.
 To give a theoretical framework of green library concept and its implementation in Central library.
 To make more and more use of reusable, recyclable products.
 To reduce library expenses by using proper use of technology.
 To create an environmental awareness among users community.

III. STEPS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF GREEN CONCEPTS IN CENTRAL LIBRARY

OF CSJM UNIVERSITY KANPUR
The implementation for Green Library concept a team should be made which provide the information
to the staff about its advantage and how this concept is better in all respect for the library and global
environment. It is the social responsibility of libraries to create an eco-friendly environment and in the long run
educate the users about ecological awareness. The following steps of implementation suggested by Ephraim
(2003) are given below.
 To create a team for awareness of Green Library concept.
 To set a inspirational goals for the libraries.
 To identify environmental improvement opportunities.
 To analysis the present situation.
 To publicize about the program.
 To keep employee and library users informed about the green concept.
 Benchmarking for best practice that leads to superior performance.
 To keep eye on the progress.
Green Concepts Implementation in Various Sections of the Library
Acquisition Section
Acquisition we means ‘hunting and gathering’ of information or document as to provide the better
service to the user community. Acquisitions involves a great deal of detailed and exacting paper work, materials
handling in large quantities, reconciliation of orders, invoices and materials received and fiscal control . Thus,
is a highly labour intensive involved in doing the functioning of this section.

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Ekta Gupta et al., International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 08 Issue 06, June 2018, Page 46-50

Acquisition Section involves with the ordering of new documents which enriches the library collection.
This section deals with selection, ordering and purchase of the documents. The steps involved in this section are
the discovery, searching, selection, ordering and receiving of all kinds of library materials. Now the detail
entries of the document are made in the accession register. To decrease the use of paper we can preserve and
digitalized the old accession register for the easy retrieval of information. Green concepts help to reduce paper
work and provide the easy communication of information through e- mail, instant messages, telephone and
others. The package material used for books transportation can be used for recycling of the waste material.

Technical Section
Here the document prepared to go for the shelving. The section deals with the classification and
cataloguing of documents. Use of library software for the purpose of cataloguing can help to reduce the paper
card catalogue in library services which result in easy updating and retrieval of information.
Maintenance Section
The work of maintenance section is most important in the library. It involves continuous monitoring,
stocking, proper arrangement on the shelves, caring and display of books which leads to functioning and
providing service to user community. The staff takes the decision regarding the repackaging and repairing of
library material. Green concept can be visualized by creating the lively atmosphere with the help of following
issues:
 To replace paper shelf guide with the help of permanent guide in the form of biodegradable material.
 Eco friendly bulbs can be used to save electricity (e.g. LED lighting, Edison bulb)
 Make use of windows to provide natural light so as to save energy.
 Cleaning of floors and shelves using old clothes and biodegradable clothes.
 For cleaning material used shall be less hazardous (natural products)
 New policy should be made for recycle of damaged and unused books.
 Proper repair and binding of documents should increase the use of paper.
Circulation Section
Circulation is a central and highly visible function of a library. Circulation, which is often compared
with inventory control, involves a great deal of record keeping and correspondingly consumes staff time. It is
highly essential that the records have to be accurate and all information has to be updated immediately after
each transaction. In other words, circulation control is useful if it is in online real-time interactive mode and it
can reduce the use of paper and staff time.
Computer Laboratory for disabled person
The central library has a very special facility for the physically challenged and disabled users of the
Library by way of a separate lab for them. The Lab has assistive technologies (Hardware and Software) for the
reading, writing and learning of the physically challenged users by converting print and electronic text into
voice and Braille and vice-versa. The mission of the project is to facilitate the training and the studies of the
physically challenged students of the University and is affiliated colleges.
Internet Section
Internet section acts as a heart of Central library. This section deals with all the activities related to
technology as to satisfy the need of the user community. It is responsible for maintaining and updating all e
journals, e books, repositories, OPAC and Libsys software for better working. Green concept can be involved by
taking the steps
 The use of paper can be reduced by sending the reminders to vendors and users through e mail,
telephone, social networking (library blog) and telephone.
 For computer recycle ink cartridges must be used that cause less harm to environment.
 To minimize the paper wastage double sided copies to be made for users.
 Repackaging of information for users in form of DVD, mailing etc can lead to easy and quick
communication.
 Automatic power down PCs replacement of outdated appliances and energy efficient.
 Augmenting the use of material like carpet titles and sustainable carpet, low embodied energy material.
 WorldCat is a popular source for going paperless.
Applications of Technique to Library
These common techniques can be applied to the library which helps in application of Green concept.
Some of them are:
 Space utilization: Central library covers an area of 3704 square meters. All sections have adequate
space for working. Green concepts can be visualized by setting of indoor gardening in the unused area
of library. On terrace roof gardening and solar panels can be placed to have better atmosphere and
energy supply.

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Ekta Gupta et al., International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 08 Issue 06, June 2018, Page 46-50

 Eliminate duplication by centralized purchase of library material.

 Reuse of envelopes and file folders.
 To create a team for awareness of green library concept and set inspirational goals, analyze waste that
gives better performance.
 To organize program by giving presentation, conducting talks, conferences, in house display and
workshops to give awareness about the concept.
 Using compostable library cards instead of plastic cards.
 The library cleaning staff made aware the importance of concept so the routine maintenance can be
done with less chemical products.
 Make use of interlibrary loan facility to avoid the duplication of material.
 Weeded out library books can be send to recycle organization.
 To be aware about what other libraries are doing for the green concept.
 Gift the old books to other libraries it will help to increase space.
Suggestions
 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.
 First 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 user and disabled persons.
 Second 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 users.
Ecological sustainability is of great importance in this pace of Global Warming. It is the social
responsibility of libraries to create an eco-friendly environment and in the long run educate the users
about ecological awareness. Green library play its role in this perspective. In Indian context it is the
high time to build more and more green libraries in order to contribute in regaining environmental
sustainability.
 Green library building standard: Libraries keep in view some standard for green building. The
United States Green Building Council (USGBC), a non-profit organization from the United States
developed LEED rating system in 2000. It stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED), an ecology-oriented building certification program which judge building’s sustainability and
certifies them as Silver, Gold or platinum.
IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) is a part of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) offers
various service like training program, certification service program etc. These standard help to make a
green building by using recyclable and environment sustained material.
 Creating Awareness: Libraries can inspire people by preparing and displaying charts on conserving
natural resources. Programmes and competition can be organized for the users about green concept.

IV. CONCLUSION
Libraries can take initiative to promote and inspire people, individuals to work towards environment
protection. Change can be possible when changes come from mind. Libraries can be inspiration for this change.
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 libraries can create an eco-friendly environment in the library premises.

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 Ekta Gupta et al., International Journal of Research in Engineering, IT and Social Sciences, ISSN 2250-0588,
Impact Factor: 6.452, Volume 08 Issue 06, June 2018, Page 46-50

V. REFERENCES
[1] Antonelli M., 2008, The Green Library Movement: An overview and Beyond, Electronic Green
Journal, Vol. 1, Issue 27, pp.1-12.
[2] Datta S., 2015, Green is the New Black: Bringing the libraries into the Green Scene. International
Journal of Digital Library Services, Vol.5, Issue 3, July – Sept, pp. 59-68.
[3] Divya P. I. & Vijayakumar K. P., 2017, Implementation of Green Library Techniques for Kerala
University Library: An Feasibility Study, Kelpro Bulletin, Vol . 21, Issue 2, Dec.
[4] Genovese P. & Patricia A., 2011, Sustainable Libraries, Sustainable Services: A Global View,
Proceedings of World Library and Information Congress: 77 th IFLA General Conference and
Assembly. 13-18 August , San Juan, 1-22.
[5] Malode A. V., 2014, Green Library: An overview. Research Journal International Multidisciplinary E-
Research Journal, Vol. 1, Issue 4, Oct-Dec, pp.13-16.
[6] Meher P. & Pararbhoi L., 2017, Green Library: An overview, issues with special reference to Indian
libraries, IJODLS, Vol. 7, Issue 2, April – June, pp.62-69.
[7] Shah L., Kumar S. & Shah M. K., 2015, Green Libraries in Academic Institution: Need of the hour,
International journal of Research - Granthaalayah, Vol.3, Issue 9, Sep, pp.1-5.
[8] Sivasubramaniyan G., Batcha M. S., 2012, Provision of Infrastructure Facility to access E-
Resources/On-line Resources to the Faculty members of Pondicherry University and Affiliated
Colleges- A Study, Asian Academic Research Journal of Social Science and Humanities. Vol.1, Issue 3,
pp.1–8.
[9] SZ S.T., Saleem A. & Batcha M. S., 2014, Digital Literacy Awareness among Arts and Science College
Students in Tiruvallur District: A Study. Citeseer, Vol.2, Issue 4, pp.61–67.
[10] Vijaylakshmi B., 2014, Green Library: An Overview. International Conference on Library Space and
Content Management for Networked Society (IC.LISCOM-2014).
[11] http://en.Wikipedia.org /wiki/Green Library (17, March, 2018)

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