Summary

Green Building
The Modlet
("The Modlet." The Modlet. ThinkEco, n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. .)
• Outlet that monitors energy use and automatically stops electronics when they aren’t in use
• Helps save money and energy
• Has wireless control so you can also monitor energy use on a computer
• Plugs in over existing outlet meaning you can take it out and move it anytime.
• Can adjust the modlet to a schedule so it automatically shuts off power when it, for example, reaches 10 P.M.
SAGE Glass
("SageGlass®." Electronically Tintable Glass & Windows. SAGE Electrochromics, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. .)
• Controls amount of sunlight and glare by electronically tinting windows.
• Helps leave a connection to the outside, natural world
• Cost-efficient and saves energy.
• Replaces the use of shades and blinds
• Improves comfort by allowing in natural light, view of the outdoors, and can prevent wearing of furniture by the sun’s rays.
Indow Windows
("Storm Windows | Thermal Window Inserts | Indow Windows." Storm Windows | Thermal Window Inserts | Indow Windows. Indow Windows, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. .)
• Thermal windows inserts that press into window frames to help insulate an area
• Helps save money and energy by reducing use of heaters/radiators.
• Easily removable by “popping” it out (or putting it in)
• Helps compress drafts
• Keeps more warm air in than a traditional window making areas warmer (and possibly more comfortable).
Appearance Enhancing Items
DIRTT Breathe™ Living Walls
("DIRTT Environmental Solutions." DIRTT Breathe™. DIRTT, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. .)
• These living walls can provide more “life” into an area, room, or environment.
• The walls are made of dirt and provide a way to introduce more plant life.
• Also helps reduce energy consumption and money by helping with ventilation
• Helps improve indoor air quality (because plants produce oxygen)
 
Other Library Floor Plans
Central Library Floor Plan
("Central Library Floor Plan." Bklynpubliclibrary.org. Brooklyn Public Library, n.d. Web. 9 Apr. 2013. http://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/sites/default/files/files/pdf/central/...)

Columbia University Medical Center
"Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library." Library Floorplan. Columbia University Medical Center, n.d. Web. 09 Apr. 2013. .)

 
Comparison
McKinley Park Branch-
o More advanced in technology than our current school library
o Has self-checkout machines so people can check out books themselves instead of librarians. This is a good feature and should also be implemented into our school library.
o Has a drop-off box for returns. People can drop books off for return in here even if the library is closed. Should also be implemented into our library.
o This library has restrooms (that are locked with a key). This makes it more convenient for people who go to libraries. Must have for our library.
o There is an info desk near the center of the library. This would not be needed for our library. Either info kiosks could be implemented or you can just ask a librarian.
o Computer station can be found just near the entrance. Must have for our library.
o The sections of the library are separated not only into subjects, but into age groups too. Children’s and teen’s books are separated on one side of the room while adult ones are on another.
o The library also has two vending machines. This should be considered in our library if a café is not implemented.
o There is a DVD check out center. In our library, educational films (documentaries, etc.) could fill this shelf and students can check out these for educational purposes.
o In additional to two bathrooms, there is also a handicap bathroom. This needs to be implemented to accommodate the needs of disabled people.
o There is a fan on the ceiling. This can help save energy by not always having to use air conditioners.
 
Interviews
Student
• Private meeting areas for groups to discuss homeworks, projects, etc -> Soundproof
• Computer station is a required.
• Audio station for computers (using headphones) should be a separate station inside the computer room so people can listen to music or whatever without disturbing others.
• Free WiFi should be provided for students that want to browse the internet.
• Small Café in a corner should be included so students can get an occasional break and snack.
• If a café can’t be implemented, some vending machines would also be nice.
• There should be comfortable seating in some areas so we can just relax. Some of these could be couches, plush chairs, and beanie bag chairs.
• Group tables should be provided inside the general library for students that want to meet up.
• Individual tables should also be provided for people that just want to be alone.
• There should definitely be a bathroom.
Student Thoughts on Being Green
• Definitely use different recycle bins for each type of material.
• Perhaps use the bookshelves like a wall to reduce the use of materials.
• Take advantage of natural light instead of artificial light.
• Use recycled materials to build/reconstruct the library
Librarians
• Libraries shouldn’t be an empty place that only stores books, but rather a place where people can enjoy themselves and want to come back to
• Incorporate modern technology into the library we have currently, but don’t renovate to the point where the roots are unrecognizable.
• Nowadays, libraries serve as meeting places, work areas, workshops, and educational grounds. Most libraries even hold tutoring sessions on multiple topics.
• Digital and electronic items are now the “norm” for students so student areas should include technology that is easy to use and access.
• A station with Wi-Fi would help students and teachers to access educational programs that can enhance learning.
• A bit of noise in the library is okay, as many students, teachers, and faculty would be using it to discuss certain projects, assessments, assignments, or other subjects. Having a library completely quiet is not the preferred choice anymore, but having a “quiet” section inside the library is not a bad idea.
• Libraries should be a comfortable environment for everybody to be in. Nobody should feel out of place, but rather welcome. Separating the library into different areas and sections is a must.