WebJunction - Facilities Management

RE: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2009-05-20T18:06:12Z

Be sure to check out the sharing going on in the new Green Libraries group on WebJunction!

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-12T17:23:44Z

I just recently stumbled upon this blog as well. In response to asking "Do I really need to print out that document?" - one thing I'd like to see implemented at my own library is a move away from paper stats sheets and hash marks to something along the lines of libstats: http://code.google.com/p/libstats/ . Currently we don't record the q & a or nature of the question - only a hash for telephone, desk or email. What I'd like to do or have done for me by the lazy web is a simple button click and digital hash - with the data available for export to excel. I suppose I could try to tweak the libstats code myself.

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-10T22:16:34Z

A great resource for "green" libraries is a blog started by a former colleague of mine, Beth Filar Williams, http://greeningyourlibrary.wordpress.com/

One simple thing I do is to really ask myself, "Do I really need to print out that document?" I feel like I have saved a lot of paper (trees) over the years just by keeping electronic copies of documents. And yes, I do backup my computer to external hard drive every night.

RE: Seeking help arguing for restoring custodial position

2009-03-12T21:28:34Z

I haven't seen such standards. "Spotless" may be too high a reach.

We use a service for *all* of our janitorial/mechanical system needs, so staffing varies according to the needs of the day.

RE: Seeking help arguing for restoring custodial position

2009-03-12T16:39:24Z

Hi Kate!

Good question. I've been working on competencies for library staff, but I must admit I haven't included those for custodial staff.

This job description for a Facility Maintenance Supervisor has a solid list from which to select the things that apply to your library situation.

Also, this LE@D course on Keeping Your Library Looking Good will help you hire custodial staff who can deal with those library-specific problems, like graffiti on the restroom walls or tar on the carpets.

I'm sure others have the same question and may have some good answers. Please share!

RE: Using wind energy at the public library

2009-03-12T16:23:45Z

Hi Stephen!

I am thrilled to hear about any attempt to create a greener library, so kudos for moving the New Carlisle Library toward alternative energy.

I don't know enough to answer your question, but I'm going to point you to the libraries of Colorado who have been pursuing green-building efforts for awhile now.

from Top Trends in Colorado Libraries:
"New public libraries are being constructed in Colorado and library leaders are going green. The Erie Library and Carbon Valley Library in Firestone which opened recently incorporate passive solar, innovative air flow and design features. The Durango Public Library will open soon with LEED certification. Nataurita Public Library is being built using straw bale construction and photovoltaic panels. And the Mancos Public Library is also building using green technology. In fact, Mancos staff member Victoria Peterson is starting a “green built” library in Second Life to educate others on green building techniques. Not only is this building a way to reduce expenditures long term, the library leaders are seeing this as an opportunity to inform the community and educate local builders on these technologies to encourage more green building."

You might try getting in touch with Victoria Peterson, who seems to be leading the green charge. Good luck and let us know what you learn.

Seeking help arguing for restoring custodial position

2009-02-17T21:48:21Z

Due to hiring freeze and departure of one of 2 full-time custodians, we are down from 96 hours/week of custodial staffing to 56 hours/week -- in a 44,700 square foot building open 68 hours/week, 7 days/week, 10,000 visitors/week.

Anyone out there know of standards or guidelines for custodial staffing in public buildings?

Thanks for listening...

Using wind energy at the public library

2009-01-26T18:59:29Z

We are beginning an initial project at our library to install wind turbines to help reduce our electric bills etc. I've learned so far that the standard "windmill" type turbine is not necessarily the best for us since we are in a neighborhood and not a commercial/industrial zone. Any information would be appreciated.
Regards,
Stephen Boggs
New Carlisle Public Library
New Carlisle, Indiana 46552

Post-webinar discussion: Why Libraries Close

2008-11-10T21:58:14Z

Post your questions or ideas sparked by the webinar Why Public Libraries Close.

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-10T20:58:06Z

Thanks Carleen and welcome to WebJunction. I'm curious who else has formed a "team" at their library to tackle some of these issues. WebJunction staffers formed a Bike to Work team last month.

http://blog.webjunctionworks.org/index.php/2008/05/16/blogjunction-is-bikejunction/

Try not to be blinded by our "safety first" reflective vests

Emily

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-10T20:33:33Z

Our library recently started a "Recycling Team". We're only a staff of three right now, but it's a start. Our city waste department had to stop their recycling program a few years ago because of budget problems so we share the task on a monthly basis by bringing all the paper waste to the recycling facility located a few blocks down the road. Our employers let us do this on work time so we technically get paid for it.

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-09T23:30:35Z

I just came across this resource ... a chat transcript from ACRL OnPoint Green Libraries Chat
http://libprofdev.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/acrl-onpoint-green-libraries-chat-transcript/

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-06T18:50:18Z

My branch library has a bike rack outside for those who like to use "pedal power" to reach it. It is also conveniently located one block from the community center. So when kids are done playing soccer and softball, or adults are on their way to the monthly neighborhood meeting, they can walk or ride over to the library afterwards.

Re: What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-06T18:43:03Z

Many libraries that have the opportunity to build new are choosing to build green. My branch library is so green, it has a [url http://www.greenroofs.org/boston/index.php?page=ballardwin ]living roof[/url] full of native grasses and sedums. The Seattle Public Central Library was awarded a [url http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=222 ]LEED[/url] silver rating for its inclusion of various environmentally friendly materials and systems.

But beyond the big capital projects, I'd like to hear about more modest ways to green your library.

What does it mean to be a "green" library?

2008-06-06T17:11:21Z

Share your thoughts here about this question.

Re: Practical Tips for Library Building Design

2008-05-06T16:42:06Z

Maine State Library offers tips sent in by librarians around the state:
See http://www.maine.gov/msl/libs/construction/, near the bottom of the page, sorted by type, with a link to a form to share other tips.

Program/Meeting room or not

2008-02-28T20:44:52Z

Hopefully this will get some response from folks in smaller libraries....4000, 5000, 6000, square feet.

I'm planning a new facility in a small community, which has a large community hall, with kitchen facilities within two blocks of the propsed new library. I want to build a 5000 square foot facility but construction costs my not allow that.

I am contemplating, removing the approximately 850 feet or so used up by the meeting room since the "city hall" is only two blocks away, if I have to reduce square footage due to construction costs.

I believe in the library as being the center of a small community like this. Incorporated it is home to about 1000 people at best, but I also know that we won't be able to add on for years and years, and that day to day interior space for youth, Internet alcove, stacks, young adult sectins, office etc., might be more important.

What do you think? How important is it to include that separate meeting/conference space, at the expense of having a large enough day to day facility.

My idea would involve having many of the displays and shelves on wheels, so that the preschool, and story hour type programs could still be held in the children's section, once the furniture was moved to the side.

Also too, if you have a small library, I would love to see the design, if you would share. I haven't built in about 7 years, and I would like to know what smaller library trends are present now. YOu can send me a library layout at
dhales@neflin.org

Thanks

Practical Tips for Library Building Design

2008-02-01T00:57:51Z

Phoenix-based Publibber Joe Schallan collected responses to a question he posed on the [url http://lists.webjunction.org/publib/]Publib listserv[/url]. [url http://webjunction.org/do/DisplayContent?id=19482]Read the article[/url] that shows the collected wisdom of fourteen Publibbers giving practical tips on library building design.

Do you have your own tips you'd like to share? Write them here.

Re: 5000 square foot library layout

2007-09-14T23:11:22Z

While we wait for others to respond, I thought I'd direct you to some of our resources. Linda Demmers of [url http://www.librisdesign.org/]Libris Design[/url] put together a [url /do/DisplayContent?id=12748]guide to resources and tools for library space planning[/url].

We also have a list of [url /do/Navigation?category=6281] Key Resources for Space Planning[/url] that is helpful. In particular, I would like to highlight [url http://projects.libraryjournal.com/login.asp]Library Journal's Projects Database[/url]. This free database can help you plan your new building or renovation, and your project can help others.

Thanks for getting this conversation going, Danny!
Zola Maddison
WebJunction

5000 square foot library layout

2007-09-14T22:42:02Z

Note: this message has been moved by an administrator. Originally posted by dhales@neflin.org on Sept 14, 2007.

Would you share with me a layout of your small library, 5000 to 7500 square feet?

I have built three of similar size, but the last one was in 1997, so I'm interested in seeing how public access stations, the stacks, reference, youth areas, etc., are being "laid out" in some more recent facilities.

I will be building two new facilities, one soon, another probably next year.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks

Danny Hales
Suwannee River Regional Library
dhales@neflin.org