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Green library design and evaluation: the Taipei Public Library, Taiwan

Shu‐hsien Tseng (Taipei Public Library; The Department of Library and Information Science, Fu‐Jen Catholic University; and Graduate Institute of Library & Information Studies, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan)

New Library World

ISSN: 0307-4803

Article publication date: 18 July 2008

5484

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the planning and architectural design features, and the post‐occupancy evaluation (POE) of the Beitou Branch Library in the Taipei Public Library System. This paper also proposes possible solutions in response to the public's suggestions for improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

A library‐user survey was employed to appraise the functioning of the Beitou Branch Library by the general public. The questionnaire for this survey was divided into three parts: background information of patrons; patrons' use of the Beitou Branch Library; and patrons' opinions on the facilities of the Beitou Branch Library. The 511 valid returned patron questionnaires were numbered and processed by means of Microsoft Excel statistical analysis. Chi‐square testing, ANOVA and Pearson T‐test were then used to analyze the relevant data and statistics.

Findings

The findings from the Beitou Branch Library survey are as follows: its innovative design and unique architecture and furniture has created a trend for new design concepts in Taiwan; it increases the number of library visits; it increases the visibility of the library and changes the stereotype of the library in the public's mind; it embodies the principles of ecological education and has become a multi‐faceted learning center; it has gained the support of local residents and professional experts; it has generated corporate sponsorship of green library buildings; and the average numbers and distribution of frequency indicate that, other than “convenient parking” and “number of computers in the computer area”, patrons were generally satisfied with the library's facilities, with all other categories receiving an average rating of 3.5 or greater.

Originality/value

This paper provides details of the experience of Taipei Public Library in planning and designing a diamond class green library and may increase public libraries' concerns about the issues of environmental protection and energy conservation.

Keywords

Citation

Tseng, S. (2008), "Green library design and evaluation: the Taipei Public Library, Taiwan", New Library World, Vol. 109 No. 7/8, pp. 321-336. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800810888159

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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