Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Presentation to the Nicolet Federated Library System
April 8, 2010
STEPHEN KUHNEN, Director of Design, Bray Architects
MICHAEL A. HACKER, Project Team Leader, Bray Architects
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signage Fundamentals:
Why have signage?
To Communicate
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signs: Direct
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signs: Warn
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signs: Instruct
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signs: Identify
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signage Fundamentals
There are good signs
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signage Fundamentals
There are bad signs
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary Signage
Signage is especially important for Libraries!
- By definition people come to a library to find stuff
- Increases staff productivity (less time directing patrons)
- Decreases frustration of both staff and patrons
- Can add to the décor or “brand”
- Answers questions before they are asked
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
1. WAYFINDING2. BRANDING3. PRIMARY SIGNAGE4. SECONDARY SIGNAGE5. TERTIARY SIGNAGE6. COLLATERAL SIGNAGE7. TECHNOLOGY
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
1. WAYFINDING
A comprehensive system of signs, space planning, landmarks, art, color, flooring design, lighting, and other architectural elements that assist visitors ion self-navigating through the environment.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
1. WAYFINDINGBegins before entering the Library
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
1. WAYFINDINGShould be intuitiveShould be integrated in to the architecture and interior designShould flow from zone to zone seamlessly
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
2. BRANDINGBranding is the process of giving an area or sign a personality or image that a patron is consistently drawn to.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
2. BRANDINGShould be used consistently throughout al levels of signage system and throughout all branches in a multi-branch system.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
3. PRIMARY SIGNAGEDirect the patrons to the basic or major areas of the library.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
4. SECONDARY SIGNAGESmaller signs identifying more specific parts of the building.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
5. TERTIARY SIGNAGELess significant signage, such as those identifying restrooms, storage rooms, donor walls or code required signage
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
6. COLLATERAL SIGNAGETemporary signage, flyers etc. that are used to identify special programming, events ,collections or giveaways.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignageBasic Signage Types
7. TECHNOLOGY SIGNAGEUse of computer screens, flat screen monitors and other technology to direct or offer information to library patrons
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
1. Less is more2. Keep it simple/concise3. In-depth signage: wait areas only4. Merchandise materials face-out to minimize signage needs5. Pictures and graphics speak volumes6. Use odd shapes and sizes7. Convey a sense of movement8. Consistency of signage hierarchy9. Have a consistent look and feel “brand”10.Train staff to incorporate principles and keep consistent
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
1. LESS IS MOREPatrons will not pay attention if there are too many messages in one area or takes too much time to read. Instead of 20 flyers choose three to highlight in a day or week
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
2. KEEP IT SIMPLE_CONCISE
Keep it simple to allow for reading “on the Move”
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
3. IN-DEPTH SIGNAGE: WAITING AREASPlacing a large Monthly event Calendar in a waiting area such as the Checkout gives patrons an opportunity to focus on details while waiting. Offer “take-along” copies as well.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
4. MERCHANDISE & MATERIALS AS SIGNAGEPlace popular materials “face out” to help customers find the section and materials that they are seeking.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
5. PICTURES & GRAPHICS SPEAK VOLUMESThese elements incorporated into signs get the point across quickly without needing to read.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
6. USE ODD SHAPES AND SIZESOdd shapes and sizes will grab peoples attention and as part of a “brand” will visually cue them to areas.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
7. CONVEY A SENSE OF MOVEMENTSimple perceived movement invites curiosity. Three dimensional signage is effective for this.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
8. CONSISTENCY OF SIGNAGE HIERARCHYCreate a signage program to reinforce an intuitiveness for patrons.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
9. CONSISTENT LOOK AND FEELConsistent with building if possible. Typeface, color and materials.
Library SignageLibrary SignageLibrary SignagePrinciples of Library Signage
10. INCORPORATE PRINCIPLES AND KEEP CONSISTENTStaff need to know what the signage program entails so that, as they create collateral signage or technology signage the themes and “brand” is not lost.
Top Related