When constructing a library of the future, minor changes to the interior can have a major effect on the atmosphere. Adjusting wall colors and seating arrangements can help boost productivity, but there is another option less frequently considered in university libraries. This is integrating plant life into the interior of the building.
Studies conducted on the effect of plants on learning and work environments have shown a positive correlation between the presence of natural elements and the productivity of students and workers. A study at a Taiwanese junior high school in 2008 showed plants affecting the work environment through subtle plant placement. Students in the work areas containing plants showed stronger feelings of comfort and friendliness as opposed to when no plants were present. This resulted in fewer reports of sick leave and more positive behavior patterns.
According to an additional study on a Texas university campus in 2009, “interior plants can reduce eye irritation and stress, motivate employees, improve concentration, and even reduce air impurities.” It also proved plants could be a reasonable alternative to windows in some cases.
The University of Cambridge has recently taken this plant life discovery into consideration and placed plants in their library in 2016 to assist students with idea generation, problem-solving skills and overall wellness. The plants placed in Cambridge’s Betty & Gordon Moore Library are shown below.
As demonstrated by the Home and Garden TV network, there are many low-maintenance plants that are perfect for indoors. Large plants, such as the Rubber Plant and Snake Plant, could be placed in pots in areas where exterior windows are not visible to students. For example, they could live in the Math Learning & Success Center on the fifth floor and by Quiet Study tables on the third floor. Smaller selections like Umbrella Trees and Philodendrons could live near areas with higher traffic like the computer stations on the first floor.
While the addition of plants would take space that would otherwise be clear, it could provide health and wellness benefits to OSU students while simultaneously boosting morale and productivity in the OSU Library. When students are feeling overwhelmed with schoolwork, a bit of green may be exactly what they need in order to flourish.
Post by Jennifer Barnett, E-Communications intern for OSU Library Communications
