This document proposes a model for a green library in India. It defines a green library as one that minimizes environmental impact through careful site selection, use of natural materials, conservation of resources like water and energy, and responsible waste disposal. The proposed model includes an indoor garden on the ground floor to attract users, administrative offices and technical sections on the first floor made with recycled materials, stacks and seating on the second floor with natural lighting, solar panels on the roof, and an exterior botanical garden. The goal is to create an eco-friendly library that educates users on environmental sustainability and contributes to reducing global warming.

1. GREEN LIBRARY IN INDIA:
A PROPOSED MODEL
Alakananda Deb
Assam University, Silchar, India
Email id: deb.aloka16@gmail.com
And
Nirupom Paul
Assam University, Silchar, India
Email id: Nirupom.paul88@gmail.com

2. INTRODUCTION
 The living system of the earth is facing the
threat of global warming. The only solution to
this problem is to make the earth green as much
as possible and to make the emission of green
house gases as less as possible. The libraries
as service oriented organizations can actively
participate in green revolution by adopting the
concept of green library. Libraries can itself be
an ecological operator as well as a promoter of
environmental awareness. The present paper
suggests a green library model most suitable in
Indian context.

3. OBJECTIVES
 To provide an Eco-friendly environment to
the library users and the service providers.
 To conserve the natural resources for sake
of mankind.
 To host a global message, being a
knowledge organization.
 To use the resources of nature to be
benefited in terms of big libraries.
 To challenge the threat of global warming.

4. WHAT IS GREEN LIBRARY?
 The Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science
(ODLIS) defines green/sustainable libraries, as a library
designed to minimize negative impact on the natural
environment and maximize indoor environmental quality
by means of careful site selection, use of natural
construction materials and biodegradable products,
conservation of resources (water, energy, paper), and
responsible waste disposal (recycling, etc.).
 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.”

5. WHY GREEN LIBRARIES?
 Green library is that green building which uses less water,
optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources,
generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for
occupants, hence supporting environmentalism.
 Green libraries can create an eco-friendly environment in
the library premises, thereby maintaining CO2 – O2 balance
of the environment.
 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.

6. GREEN LIBRARY IN INDIA
 Anna Centenary Library, Chennai is the only green library in India.
 It was started with a vision to be an internationally recognized urban Library
known for excellence in learning, innovative research, and community
engagement that contributes to the economic vitality, environmental
sustainability, and quality of life in the Chennai region and beyond.
Anna Centenary Library, Chennai (Source: http://www.lcsind.org/images/news/Chennai-Library.pdf)

7. PROPOSED MODEL OF GREEN LIBRARY

8.  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. On the other hand if the library has the separate section
for children than the ground floor indoor gardening may create a greater
impact to attract children towards the library and the children will get an
environment for acquiring knowledge even when they are in playing
mood.

9.  1st 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 senior citizens and
disabled persons. Or it may be extended to the outside of the main
building with the transparent roof protection.

10.  2nd 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.

11.  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.

12.  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 seekers.

13. CONCLUSION
 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.
USA leads in developing green libraries followed by
Canada and others. India is lagging behind. Library
professionals should work together in India to put
forward a cost effective way in establishing green
libraries in large numbers.

14. THANK YOU