In school libraries, navigation is key. To find the right shelf and book, a vertical illuminance of 200 lux is required. High lighting uniformity ensures that books are equally visible on shelves at any height. Recommended shelf lighting systems include asymmetrical luminaires mounted on top of each shelf, however linear pendants or wall-mounted luminaires with asymmetrical light are also great choices.
Secondary school libraries are meeting places where social zones require a cosier light setting. Mixing artificial light with daylight is a challenging task that requires careful light management, but the effect ensures a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for reading and working.
Reading areas in school study halls need potent working lights. The minimum average illuminance should be 500 lux with a high uniformity and low glare. This can efficiently be achieved using luminaires with indirect and direct light. For greater flexibility and to suit individual needs, a task light with glare-reducing asymmetrical lighting for each reading station is recommended – preferably integrated in the table surface to save space.
A public area like the school library needs properly marked escape routes and exits with emergency lighting to ensure their visibility during a power failure.
Lighting requirements in EN 12464-1:2021
| Type of task / activity area |
Lux-level (Em) |
Glare rating (UGRL) |
Uniformity (U0) |
Colour rendition (Ra) |
Em,z | Em,wall | Em,ceiling | Specific requirements |
|
| required | modified | U0 ≥ 0,10 | |||||||
| Library: bookshelves | 200 | 300 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | - | - | - | Vertical illuminance on shelves |
| Library: reading areas | 500 | 750 | 19 | 0,60 | 80 | 100 | 100 | 50 | |