Display me…. more on signage

I have received some lovely snap frames. A low cost option for displaying posters/notices etc… and making them look professional. You may be familiar with snap frames the are often used on the backs of toilet doors in pubs and clubs.

They look like this. I have been rushing around the library showing people. They are so cool. I will post some before and after photos once they are installed.

I wonder if we could get away with promoting library stuff on the back of our toilet doors?

Unhelpful sign of the times…

Marylaine Block (2006) in her article User-intelligible has identified a disease spreading through libraries. The creation of unhelpful signs and instructions. She suggests are number of cures:

1. User evaluation of signs
2. Observe users using the space then put signs up
3. Use symbols
4. Ask users what the want to know

I have a few other suggestions:

1. Use a professional graphic designer - the result will be better
2. Intuitive layout and visual cues are important
3. Less is more!
4. Be welcoming
5. Colour and contrast important
6. We can learn a lot from visual merchandisers and retail

Stephen Abrams has a list of seven things to consider on his blog.

Signage working paper

I have started writing a working paper on a signage strategy for the library. I feel like the sign police but already I have found myself wanting to be very prescriptive and inflexible.

Some of the ideas I would like to introduce are:

1. Font - one font family - no pretenders tolerated
2. Absolutely no clip art - no exceptions to this one
3. Using templates to ensure some consistency
4. A palate of colours
5. Library brand or message
6. No signs to be stuck up with sticky tape
7. All signs to be in frames or holders
8. Reduce, reduce, reduce signage

We have so much visual pollution we need to clear out some of the clutter. After taking down a slue of signs in a couple of weeks ago the place looks much better and no-one is missing the signs.

Signs, signs and more signs

I am starting my foray into the world of signage and wayfinding. One of my objectives for this year is to get the library signage under control. Not easy with 6 campuses. But today I found some useful resources to get the ball rolling. If signage and wayfinding is your thing feel free to send me suggestions/recommendations. I have a feeling this project is going to be a big one.

• Flickr Library Signs - from the sublime to the ridiculous you will find examples of both in libraries
• http://www.librisdesign.org/docs/WayfindingSignage.pdf - few years old now but filled with practical suggestions for signage
• Wayfinding design guidelines
• San Francisco State University - Signage Policy
• Library as place (2006)
• Great post on bad signs from the Swiss Army Librarian
• University of Manitoba Library - Signage Guidelines
• Useful starting point  - Library Support Staff.com