Abstract
This research study presents results of the student’s satisfaction with the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of the library in the higher learning institution based in Johannesburg. The purpose of this research study is to ascertain whether the IEQ of the newly refurbished library is at a satisfaction level to the students who occupy it. IEQ is important as it determines the health of a building and a library building being a place of study for many students who spend a significant amount of time occupying it, makes it necessary for the building to operate at an optimal level specifically in terms of the air quality, lighting and temperature.This study adopted a quantitative approach. The survey instrument that was utilised in this study to collect data was a questionnaire. The study population consisted of 100 registered Engineering Health Science students. This study yielded a response rate of 99% chosen by means of a convenience sample. The results from the questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and the results were then interpreted in the form of graphs as well as tables. The occupants or students who use the library agree that the state of the toilets needs to improve in terms of cleanliness which affects the quality of the air. The quality of lighting was ranked number one in terms of the health of the students and fatigue was ranked first as well since these go hand-in-hand as light affects eyes which can cause fatigue. The way the book shelves are is also a great concern to the students as they are not satisfied with them in terms of location. Respondents feel safe in the library as they ranked the fire safety equipment second and access to equipment first, so in the case of an emergency, the respondents are aware of the equipment that they can use. In terms of satisfaction with the IEQ factors, the students were satisfied with the temperature in spite of the fact that 74% of them admitted to not having control over the HVAC system.
End users of the library (students) are a rich source of information concerning IEQ and the level of satisfactory in terms of IEQ. IEQ surveys can be very useful when it comes to assessing the performance of a building, as well as identifying areas that need improvement, and also provide useful feedback to designers and operators concerning specific aspects of building’s design features and operating strategies that need improvement for future developments of the building. In accordance with the literature reviewed and survey conducted, the following recommendations are made:
1 Indoor Environmental Quality factors should be evaluated regularly to ensure that the occupants are still satisfied
2. Toilets in the library should be cleaned more often and air fresheners should be put in place to ensure that the air in the library remains breathable and fresh
3 Maintenance managers should be ever conscious of the IEQ factors whenever maintenance is conducted or further refurbishments are made
4 It is also recommended that institution should engage the services of light professionals at the early stage of the building constructions as they have to work hand in hand with the architecture and interior designer who have to keep IEQ factors in mind.
Keywords: Indoor environmental quality, satisfaction, students, higher education, concentration, green building, IAQ, library, university, end user.