Citation:
McKimmie, Tim, and Jeanette Smith. "The ELF in your library." Computers in Libraries Sept. 1994: 16+. Academic OneFile. Web. 24 Sep. 2011.
Document URL
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?&id=GALE%7CA15767977&v=2.1&u=phdiliman&it=r&p=GPS&sw=w
Abstract
Although evidence of risk is not clearcut, public concern has prompted an increase in funded research about Extremely low-frequency (ELF) radiation. Along with very low frequency (VLF) electric and magnetic fields, ELF radiation is emitted from computer video display terminals (VDTs) and other video display units (VDUs) such as televisions.
In the library setting, employees may be exposed to ELF radiation through a variety of computer applications during a typical workday. These include use of OCLC terminals, personal computers, online catalogs, and CD-ROM and local area network (LAN) workstations. Library patrons are also exposed to ELF while using online catalogs or CD-ROM/LAN workstations, or at public-service areas such as circulation or reference desks. Concern regarding the health effects of computer use was suggested in the library literature more than ten years ago.
Libraries today are dependent on the use of computers in many ways. From ordering materials to cataloging them, from seeking reference information to communicating with colleagues via email, we can hardly do without our computers. In order to obtain a baseline figure for how much time we spend before computers, a survey was undertaken for all full-time employees at the NMSU library. The questionnaire asked that each employee document how many minutes he or she spent before a computer terminal during each hour of the workday for three consecutive days.
Medical conditions reported to be associated with computer use include birth defects, miscarriages, cataracts, menstrual cycle disturbances, skin rashes, fatigue, and headaches. Complaints regarding vision problems and eye strain appear to be increasing. Although clusters of miscarriages among female VDT operators were reported by a Kaiser Permanente health maintenance orgaization study, no conclusions could be drawn concerning the health risks to pregnant women.
To reduce risk or satisfy employee concern in the library setting, measurements may be taken, work spaces rearranged, purchases modified, and information shared. In order to determine the level of radiation with which you are dealing, you may wish to take measurements with a gaussmeter.
Computers (at least monitors) should be turned completely off when not in use; don't just dim the VDT or use a screen saver. In public-service areas the same proximity precautions should be taken, and at public-service desks, patrons and staff alike should be discouraged from leaning on or next to the front, back, top, or sides of VDTs.
Three Things I Learned
1. Technology will make our life and work easier but too much of it is bad enough.
2. Proper use of computer and health safety should be prioritized by the administration for the benefits of their employees.
3. Being informed regarding different health concerns is very important because some health risks are not easily detectable.
Application
As a librarian who spent 75% of time in front of computer, I will take more precautionary measures to reduce the health risks in the utilization of computers. On the other hand, I will help inform my co-workers as well as colleagues.
