Sustainability in Library Building: Creating an Inclusive Environment

Dr. Mohd Faizal Hamzah

Dr. Mohd Faizal Hamzah currently serves as the Head of two libraries the Education Library and the Language Library at Universiti Malaya. Additionally, he holds leadership roles as the Acting Head of the Museum of Asian Art and the UM Art Gallery. Furthermore, he holds the positions of Chairman for Special Disabled Users in the Library (2016-present) and Vice President II for the Malaysian Librarian Association (2019-present). Recently, he was appointed as the Chairperson of the Main Committee for the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians 2025. On the international stage, he holds the distinction of being the first librarian appointed to the International Library Advisory Board for Woxsen University, India, and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Selangor Public Library Corporation, representing the Malaysian Librarian Association.

Dr. Faizal has received numerous awards, including two Outstanding Service Awards from the University of Malaya (in 2023 and 2013), two Certificate of Outstanding Service awards (in 2021 and 2012), and the distinction of being the first librarian to win the top prize at the University of Malaya Excellence Awards (ACUM) in 2014. He is also the first librarian at the University of Malaya to win two major awards at the Convention of Public University Administrators 2023 in Malaysia, receiving the Masti Gemilang Administrator Award in the same year. This includes the Masti Gemilang Administrator Award (Social Writing) and Masti Gemilang Administrator Award (Research) Other Schemes. At the national level, he successfully received the Malaysia Aspiring Librarian Award in 2015.

Dr. Faizal has been recognized as the best researcher and presenter at the 4th Asia International Conference 2018, winning awards in the categories of Global development in humanities, education, and civilization, as well as the Future of marketing and management. Furthermore, he is the first librarian to receive the Excellent Research Award in 2019 at UiTM. His most recent achievement was as the best presenter during ICIM 2023 at Oxford University, United Kingdom, at the beginning of 2023.

ABSTRACT

In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness and a commitment to inclusivity, libraries are positioned as vital hubs for fostering sustainable practices and creating welcoming spaces for all individuals. This presentation delves into the multifaceted approach of integrating sustainability into library building design to cultivate an inclusive environment. It explores the symbiotic relationship between sustainable architecture and inclusivity, highlighting strategies for incorporating eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and universal design principles. By embracing sustainability in library construction, we not only minimize our environmental footprint but also enhance accessibility and comfort for diverse user groups, including those with disabilities and marginalized communities. Through case studies and best practices, this presentation showcases innovative solutions that demonstrate how libraries can serve as models of sustainability while prioritizing inclusivity, ultimately enriching the experience of patrons and advancing social equity in our communities.