Stairways should be designed to encourage use of stairs, rather than elevators for movement of people. Emergency Systems Audible and visual fire alarms should be distributed throughout the building Emergency exits should be equipped with local alarms that are also tied into the central panel at the circulation desk. These doors should have large signs indicating that an alarm will go off if they are opened Emergency lighting should be provided throughout the building including in all stairways. The biggest preservation problems in libraries stem from fluctuating temperature and humidity. Changes in humidity weaken the paper by making it expand and contract.
High temperatures increase the rate at which paper deteriorates.
Constant temperature and humidity are critical in maintaining non-print formats such as magnetic tape, disks, microform, etc. As more computer technology is introduced into the library, there is concern about managing the heat that the equipment generates. As lap tops are more commonly used and as all types of computers are dispersed throughout the building, the HVAC and electrical systems should be designed accordingly. In the presence of atmospheric moisture, this generates sulfuric acid that acts to destroy the paper, a reaction that is accelerated by high temperature and high humidity. A second factor is the use of unpurified wood fibers that are substantially weaker than those of chemically purified wood pulps.