PASSIVE AIRFLOW STRATEGIES FOR ACADEMIC LIBRARIES IN HOT-HUMID NIGERIA

Natural ventilation is an important passive strategy for achieving thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality in hot-humid climates, particularly where electricity supply is unreliable and costly. However, limited empirical research has examined how building and spatial variables collectively influence perceived natural ventilation performance in academic libraries in north-central Nigeria. This study assessed passive airflow strategies in selected academic and public libraries within the region. Four libraries Benue State University Library Complex, Benue State Library Board Complex, Federal University Lafia Central Library, and Nasarawa State University Central Library were examined using structured observation and questionnaire surveys, yielding 310 valid responses. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses examined relationships between selected variables and user satisfaction with natural ventilation. Window size (r = 0.42), east-south window orientation (r = 0.36), and seating proximity to openings (r = 0.35) showed the strongest positive associations, while seating adjacent to solid perimeter walls recorded a negative correlation (r = −0.48). North-south building orientation, increased floor-to-ceiling height and courtyards further supported cross and stack ventilation. The study recommends integrated passive airflow strategies for academic libraries in hot-humid regions of West Africa.