Exterior, Landscape Lighting

more...

Home
A/V Accessories & Cables
DVD & Home Theater
Gadgets & Other Electronics
Heating, Cooling & Air
Home Audio
Lamps, Lighting, Ceiling...
Bathroom Lighting
Ceiling Fans
Ceiling Fixtures
Chandeliers
Children's Lighting
Desk Lamps
Exterior, Landscape Lighting
Lamp Posts
Light Fixtures
Other
Path Lighting
Spot Lights, Flood Lights
Floor Lamps
Lava Lamps, Party Lights
Lighting Accessories
Multiple Lamp Sets
Neon Signs
Night Lights
Other Lamps, Lighting
Paper Lanterns
Pendant Lighting
Picture Lights
Recessed Lighting
Sconces, Wall Lamps
String Lights
Table Lamps
Track Lighting
Under Cabinet Lighting
Major Appliances
Outdoor Power Equipment
Satellite, Cable TV
Televisions
Vacuum Cleaners &...

Library atmospherics

Library atmospherics describes the microlevel design of library common areas in order to create desired emotional effect on library patrons. More specifically, atmospherics is the manipulation of library environments to create specific emotional effects in library users thus making the library experience enjoyable in order to secure the continued use of the library by their patrons. The study of library atmospherics is a particularly important development for the marketing of our libraries and in influencing how the public views library services, collections, buildings, systems, and their role in society.

Atmospheric variables include sight, sound, scent, and the general feel of both the exterior architecture and interior design of the library. Examples of these atmospheric variables within the library structure include color schemes, acoustics, ventilation, lighting, electronic support, furniture, upholstery, and shelving fixtures. The exterior atmospherics of a library are just as important to the feel of entrance walkways, the landscape, parking lots, and the physical building itself.

The value of atmospheric study can be seen when we reflect on how the design variables influence the patrons experience at the library. Lighting schemes, for example, influence perception, mood and even outward behavior of people. Libraries would want to consider this when planning their lighting schemes in order to create an ambiance that is comfortable and inviting to their patrons.

Library atmospherics becomes more complex when we consider that the more varied the patron population, the more complex the atmospheric decisions. Most libraries have mission statements that emphasize service to a varied target audience. In order to utilize the study of atmospherics as a successful marketing tool, library management must therefore consider and incorporate different atmospheric designs for different parts of the building.

Technological atmospheric variables

Modern libraries provide more than just books. The building provides many other services made possible from technological advances. Some of these services include access to computers, fax machines, copiers, ATMs, self-service checkout units. These technological variables create a need for a varied environment within the building in order to maintain a productive atmosphere for all patrons.

Noise criteria (NC) translates a complex acoustical characteristic into a single value. NC level 35 is found to be acceptable for most library functions with NC level 40 in acceptable in the busier areas (NC 20-25 for concert halls). The NC level of a library involves the “background” noise level traditionally heard from building systems including heating, air conditioning, ventilation, fan units or any noise through windows. With new technological services found in libraries, noises from computer fans, fax machines, copiers must be incorporated into acoustical architecture to maintain optimal NC levels.

Read more at Wikipedia.org