EXPLORING RENEWABLE ENERGY FACILITY AND GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES FOR IMPROVED ARCHIVES PRESERVATION IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN RIVERS STATE

Abstract

This study explored renewable energy facility and green building practices for improved archives preservation in public libraries in Rivers state. Two objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses guided this study. Using a descriptive survey design, this study targeted 514 library staff from the Rivers State Library Board (RSLB) and Jubilee Library (JLP) in Port Harcourt. Using Taro Yamane's formula to determine sample size, 399 employees (227 employees of RSLB and 172 employees of JLP) were selected using stratified and random sampling techniques. The data collection tool used was a self-made questionnaire entitled "Renewable Energy and Green Buildings in Public Library Archives"; three experts confirmed its superficial and content validity. The Cronbach alpha reliability estimate for this instrument gives a reliability coefficient of 0.78. the research questions were answered using Mean and Standard Deviation, while z-test was used to conduct the inferential statistics. The findings showed that Rivers state libraries can preserve archives with renewable energy and green building practices, such as solar power, passive ventilation, native landscaping, water-efficient fixtures and regulated humidity. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that incorporating renewable energy into green building practices can have a significant impact on preserving library archives. Additionally, public libraries in Rivers State should partner with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in order to transition to renewable energy sources (e.g., solar, batteries, wind turbines) to improve archives preservation.