This book's subtitle is a big boast for such a slim volume, but Carr (executive director, library services, Comm. Coll. of Spokane) deftly guides librarians, building managers, renovators and everyone else involved in library renovation or construction on all matters green. Most library managers are forced into the necessity of learning facility maintenance on the fly-renovation knowledge is hard gained. Carr draws on her Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation and teaching experience to provide basic information, project checklists, tips, and extensive resources. Her chapters are organized by subject, including site assessment, energy and lighting, HVAC, green materials, indoor environmental quality, water conservation and quality, construction management, and building operations and maintenance. From everyday modifications to improve efficiency to major infrastructure renovations, the coverage will aid library managers. When a manager can show environmental awareness while being fiscally conservative, funding just might be a little easier to obtain. VERDICT Although pricey, this is an essential addition to the shelves of library administrators and facility managers in libraries of all sizes, as well as for relevant graduate school courses. * Library Journal *
The Green Library Planner is designed for anyone interested in library design, but lacking architectural, construction or engineering expertise. It aims to introduce the rationale for green buildings, its elements and the language used in the field. It does this in sections, so you can read the entire book or just focus on the part that you need. . . .It covers a wide range of items within each section and. . . .is thorough in this. Each section has detailed references that give readers the opportunity to further explore the subject if they wish. It also includes practical checklists, illustrative examples and space for project notes to help make the concepts real. . . .For any librarian interested in or involved in a green building project, The Green Library Planner will give the knowledge needed to become more involved in the project. For those planning a project, this book will give what is needed to ask the right questions. Whether renovating or building a new library, reading The Green Library Planner should be on the librarian's must-read list. * Australian Library Journal *
The Green Library Planner: What Every Librarian Needs to Know before Starting to Build or Renovate is. . . .a well-organized planner that not only provides in-depth resources but also introduces us to sustainability and green practices. . . .Carr does not make assumptions about the reader's expertise and approaches each topical area by first defining the problem in a global context and relating the role we each play as individuals and as an institutional stakeholder. Throughout the book, she examines the complex systems that make up a building and the environment in and around the building in a clear easy to understand manner. Just enough information is conveyed on a topic or in a definition to achieve a functional understanding. Carr makes it easy to seek out additional information or delve deeper into a concept through citations and resources at each chapter's conclusion. Carr wonderfully acknowledges each topic's complexities and is not prescriptive. Each institution must respond to its own community priorities. Carr's style is to guide you, provide the resources for further investigation, hold up positive examples, and then challenge you to think about your community and your challenges. . . .The Green Library Planner delivers on Carr's goals to provide a work that covers 'the major aspects of green building as it applies to building libraries, renovating them, and operating them sustainably.' It is a work that uses terms and concepts in an easy to understand manner that is applicable to a wider audience and all stakeholders in our environment. * Technical Services Quarterly *
Mary M. Carr has written a valuable guide for managers of community resource organizations-particularly libraries-but certainly applicable in many aspects to the work of schools, community centers or museums. Carr has the personal experience as a LEED-AP and a library greening advisor to offer good resources, examples, and perspective. . . . The topic of environmentally-sustainable building and management practices is far too complex for any book to make a thorough study, but this one is detailed, thoughtful and realistic. The rest can only be filled-in by the integrated team involved in a particular project. . . . The definitions in each section are particularly helpful, and the checklists and resource lists are valuable tools for readers planning to implement these ideas. * Sustainable Museums Blog *
This is a solidly written guide by librarian Carr who provides extensive resources as well as examples at the end of each chapter of libraries that follow green design practices. The author does a great job breaking down the often misunderstood topic of 'green building' into manageable pieces through the organization of the book, which starts off with fundamental concepts and moves on to specific topics such as lighting and air quality. The author defines key terms, provide resources for continued research, and includes questions for reflection and 'project notes' based on material from the chapter. ... there is helpful information in this title for everyone to use in one way or another. * VOYA *
The Green Library Planner by Mary M. Carr is a welcome addition to the literature of 21st century library building design and construction. Her clear, casual style makes the content easy to read while at the same time clearly explaining the complex topic of sustainable design. The importance of sustainability not only to libraries but to everyone is best reflected in a quote from the first chapter: 'Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.' -- Ann Hamilton, Co-chair, ACRL-LLAMA Interdivisional Committee on Building Resources
I learned a lot!!! The breadth of green issues and the resources are incredible. -- Julie, 2016-2017 Presi
