Research on energy savings opportunities in university libraries
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/07378831211266537 |
| Published date | 31 August 2012 |
| Date | 31 August 2012 |
| Pages | 384-396 |
| Author | Jeremy Linden,James Reilly,Peter Herzog |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
Research on energy savings
opportunities in university
libraries
Jeremy Linden and James Reilly
Image Permanence Institute, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester,
New York, USA, and
Peter Herzog
Herzog/Wheeler & Associates, LLP, St Paul, Minnesota, USA
Abstract
Purpose – Mechanical systems in library environments are typically designed to run continuously in
order to maintain the desired environmental conditions for preservation purposes, often resulting in a
high cost in dollars and energy consumption. Altering these conditions through changed HVAC
operating schedules is a risk many librarians and institutions are hesitant to take. This study aims to
introduce the methodology and early findings of current research into the question of whether energy
usage can be significantly reduced in libraries by carefully monitored and risk-managed shutdowns of
air handling units (AHUs) during unoccupied hours in selected spaces without compromising the
quality of the preservation environment.
Design/methodology approach – As part of the project, the authors are monitoring up to three air
handling units (AHUs) at each of five partner institutions, three of which are university libraries or
repositories, as well as the associated collections spaces served by the units.
Findings – Early findings show the potential value of systems shutdowns in various parts of the
country, while also identifying regions that are less favorable.
Practical implications – In all cases, the experimentation with and successful implementation of a
shutdown schedule, without adversely affecting preservation conditions, was preceded by careful
documentation and risk management, as described.
Originality/value – Unlike unilateral HVAC equipment shutdowns and setbacks conducted solely
for energy management, with little regard for collections, this risk-managed and documented approach
potentially allows for the reduction of energy usage without placing collections’ health at risk.
Keywords Preservation,Sustainability,Energy savings, Library facilities,Library buildings,Archives,
Environmentalmanagement
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
While HVAC equipment shutdowns have long been recognized as a strategic option for
achieving energy savings in buildings managed primarily for human comfort, the
particular requirements of preservation environments for library collections, whether
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available at
www.emeraldinsight.com/0737-8831.htm
The authors would like to thank their research partners at the Birmingham Public Library,
Cornell University, the New York Public Library, the University of California, Los Angeles, and
Yale University, and are grateful to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for
providing funding for this project through their Research & Development National Leadership
Grant Program.
LHT
30,3
384
Received April 2012
Revised April 2012
Accepted May 2012
Library Hi Tech
Vol. 30 No. 3, 2012
pp. 384-396
qEmerald Group Publishing Limited
0737-8831
DOI 10.1108/07378831211266537
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