Recently, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) updated their official website with new examples of posters of the Green Library Award, andtehe poster of International Campus Library, Zhejiang University was selected as one of the five examples.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) was established in 1927 as an international organization composed of library associations and societies from different countries. It is the most authoritative and influential non-governmental professional international organization in the field of library.
The Green Library Award is a project of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) that aims to promote green and sustainable library construction, achieve sustainable development in natural environment, economy, and society.
Green libraries can be of any scale, but they should have a clear agenda for sustainable development, including green buildings and equipment, green office principles, sustainable economics, sustainable library services, social sustainability, environmental management, and a commitment to overall environmental goals and plans.
The Livary of International Campus integrated the concept of "green and environmental protection" into its architectural design from the beginning of its construction. After the opening of the library, the concept of green environmental protection has been continuously practiced through services, activities, and institutional construction.
As you enter the library, the most impressing features are the atrium and dome design. We fully utilize natural light to minimize the use of artificial lighting. The roof above the dome collects rainwater during rainy days, which is then used for watering the surrounding plants and flowers.
As you approach the bookshelves, you will notice the motion sensor lights lighting along with your movements. Even the stairs have motion sensor lights installed. Even the inconspicuous corridor lights have timed switches to avoid unnecessary waste of electricity.
In the library, we organized events such as book exchange, Chinese and foreign language book exhibitions. Cooperated with the student union, we set up second-hand bookshelves in the café. We also encourage the use of self-service and promote the "green and eco-friendly" concept through our services and activities.
If you encounter a sudden heavy rain when you leave the library, don’t worry, the unclaimed umbrellas at the left side of the library’s first floor exit will help you. These umbrellas are reused as courtesy umbrella.
These are the visible concepts, and we will introduce you those invisible ones as follows.
We always adhere to the five policies for campus green environmental management, procure recycled paper, and publish monthly energy consumption,etc.
Being listed as a case of a green library by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions is not the end, but an intermediate step towards the construction of a green library system. As stated in the green library poster by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions: "We are moving towards a green library system!"
Article and Photos: XU Shuna, ZHU Linyi
Translation: ZHANG Kai；Proofread：Yin Chair，LING Sijing，LIU Shuaiyin
Editor: LIN Suting；Managing Editor: LI Yinan