UFC 4-740-20
1 May 2006
3-5.7
Audio/Visual (A/V)
Provide the required infrastructure to support audio and visual viewing stations, as well
as group/classroom setup for activity rooms. A/V infrastructure should include electrical
3-5.8
Interior Lighting
Libraries have specific lighting requirements that should be coordinated with the specific
design details of each functional area. General lighting designs should provide light
from as many directions as possible. Utilize fluorescent fixtures with low temperature,
energy efficient ballasts, and lamps for most areas unless other lighting requirements
are identified. Utilize daylight lamps for most applications, because cool white lamps
are too cold for a library setting. Consider light fixtures that minimize glare and
shadowing. The shelving faces of book stacks should be evenly illuminated and free
from dark areas.
Indirect lighting systems utilizing high intensity discharge or fluorescent fixtures may
also be used, where practical. Where natural light is available, provide lighting control
systems, including ambient light dimmers to automatically reduce the intensity levels of
artificial lighting. Interior lighting for new construction shall meet the current codes and
America (IESNA). Renovation of existing interior lighting shall meet the current
recommendations of the IESNA to the extent possible. Additional guidance for lighting
User-operable task lights should be provided at tables and carrels in reading areas.
Stacks may be illuminated with fluorescent lights specially designed to light the shelving
faces. Stack lighting shall be arranged to work with stacks and aligned with the shelf
placement to provide sufficient lighting of the collections. Lighting should be a
combination of general, task, and day lighting. General lighting levels should be
automatically reduced when day lighting is available. Coordinate the lighting plan and
structural bay sizes with the shelving ranges in stack areas.
Lighting fixtures oriented perpendicular or diagonally to the book stacks provide more
even illumination of the collections than parallel placement and greater flexibility for
reconfiguring the layout of book stacks. Reading areas and office spaces are generally
illuminated with 20-40 foot candles, unless more difficult visual tasks are required.
Repairing and inspecting books in the technical services area generally requires higher
levels of illumination. Provide battery operated or otherwise contingency powered
emergency lighting systems and illuminated exit signs as required by applicable fire and
life safety codes. Consider the use of canopy lights on the stacks for renovations and
new construction.
3-5.8.1
Table: Interior Lighting Reference Chart
The IESNA tables for luminance generally show single values but also state a difference
plus or minus one-third of the value is tolerable. Utilize the reference chart below as a
3-20