The Impact of Light Intensity on the Subjective Complaints of Librarians and Users: an Investigation of an Academic Library

Authors

Tri Niswati Utami, Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara MedanFollow
Retno Sayekti, Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara Medan, Indonesia
Triana Santi, Main Libary, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara MedanFollow

Date of this Version

Winter 12-1-2021

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of light intensity on the subjective complaints of librarians and visitiors at an academic library. This research applied both quantitative and qualitative techniques on 696 visitors and librarians. The result suggests that the effects of light intensity include eyestrain, reading difficulty, dizziness, shoulder and back pains, as well as impaired concentration. Also, the frequency of reading and working impacted the subjective complaints. Furthermore, the intensity as well as the frequency of reading and working greatly influenced the subjective complaints. Based on the qualitative analysis, the development of light concepts and room design significantly influenced the comfort level. Therefore, the negative impact of lighting is exacerbated by the increasing frequency of reading and working. However, library room designs greatly contribute to the comfort level of librarians and visitors.