Abstract

The purpose of this study was to research instances of green library construction and recognition in order to increase awareness of green libraries. To this end, we investigated the green library's outline and green building, evaluated cases of G-SEED certified libraries, and surveyed the employees at the 16 different G-SEED certified libraries. Results showed that the employees' knowledge of green libraries and the green certification system was low, whereas their interest and needs regarding the green library concept were very high. Second, the respondents were able to recognize as a whole the factors of green library construction based on the evaluation items for G-SEED and place particular emphasis on 'recyclable resources & recycling bins.' However, only a few recognized 'water reclamation/reuse system establishment' as a green library factor. Third, the respondents largely agreed upon an evaluation of items on the suitability of G-SEED, and their ranked reasons for build a green library were preventing environmental pollution, energy-saving, environment, ecology, and indoor environmental factors. Fourth, a lack of 'awareness about the concept of the green library' was thought to most affect the awareness of difficulties in green library construction, and the respondents agreed with the need for 'library image enhancement' to better manage expectations of the green library.