Good morning ARLIS,
The flourescent ceiling lights in our art library will be swapped out next summer for more energy
efficient models. I've been asked if I want the new bulbs to be "full-spectrum" and if I want to
make any inexpensive changes in the current configuration to improve the lighting levels.
1. Full-spectrum lighting?
My inclination here is simple: "YES!" Our current yellow-ish bulbs have a warm cast; not a good
thing in a library dedicated to "looking" and cultivating the eye. Fortunately our photography
studio was completely redone this summer and they have full-spectrum lighting (5,000 K). I LOVE
the light in there (it feels very "clean") but the gentleman who runs the lab suggested some find
the lighting too harsh.
Any comments/advice on the benefits/problems of full spectrum lighting?
2. Lighting levels
The issue here is balance: too much light = glare; too little = can't see detail. Our current lighting
levels in foot candles are...
aisles: 40-50 ft.candles
periphery (we have carrels around the periphery of our book stacks); 80 ft. candles
The company doing the installation recommends 75 ft. candles on desktops.
Irving recommends 50 ft. candles for "comfortable reading."
Thanks to all!
Barbara
Barbara Prior
Art Librarian
Oberlin College
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