Study of the Users Satisfaction with Natural Lighting and Ventilation in State Library Gombe, Nigeria

Abstract

Natural lighting and ventilation is desired in public libraries for efficient lighting, human comfort and structural cooling. The study revealed that public libraries in Gombe could not function efficiently without artificial source of ventilation and lighting, which is economically a disadvantage, unreliable and has sustainability problems. However natural lighting and ventilation when harnessed is more efficient and more reliable and consume less energy when compared with other source of lighting and ventilation. This research focuses on the evaluation of application of natural lighting and ventilation in public library in Gombe state with a view to solve poor level of natural lighting and ventilation, conducted through observation schedule of variables such as structure survey through questioners on the present Gombe state library. Seven categories of users were selected based on the composition of the library use and extracted four components of satisfaction. The study reveals that users are not satisfied with the current condition of lighting and ventilation and to add to others facilities that would make the building effective. The study also shows that only 45% of users often use the library in a week, 90% of users identified the necessity of public library, 10% was rated for effectiveness of lighting and ventilation and 10% for facilities. The study recommends professional in the built environment to approach projects holistically with the psychology of attaining functionality more to aesthetics and to consider users perception towards utilization. Nigerian public library requires better design to attract cooling and human comfort, reduce energy consumption, such to make the building attractive to users.