Library Signage: Conducting an Audit and a Replacement Implementation

Plan( a presentation for Leonard Lief Library, Lehman College, CUNY)

July 23, 2013

Amy F. Stempler, Assistant ProfessorCoordinator of Library InstructionCollege of Staten IslandCity University of New YorkAmy.Stempler@csi.cuny.edu

Mark Aaron Polger, Assistant ProfessorInstruction/Reference LibrarianCollege of Staten IslandCity University of New YorkMarkAaron.Polger@csi.cuny.edu

Agenda• Introduction

• Background

• Determining Signs by Content and Mounting Method

• Determining "Decision Points"

• The Process of Replacing Temporary Signs

• Best Practice Guidelines Document

• Signage Placement Map (Locator Tool)

• Conclusion

Conducting an AuditIn 2012, we conducted an audit of signs produced in-house, omitting

permanent, institutionally-produced signs.

We evaluated:

• quantity of signs

• type of sign

• content

• language/messaging

• branding

• design

• ADA compliance

• visual / textual consistency

• placement (bump points)

Signage Audit Results• Three generations of signs were discovered. Signage was often outdated,

and contained conflicting messages and various designs

• Signs were classified into three typeso policyo informational (promotional)o directional

• Signs were assigned three mediumso permanento in-houseo temporary

Examples- Handwritten signs

Examples-Taped-up & taped-over

Examples-Clutter and Outdated signs

Examples-Contradictory Messages

Step 1: Assess, Remove,ReplaceStep 1:

• Perform a walk-through and account for outdated and incorrect signage

• Determine decision points for replacement

• Remove and replace strategically o Replace with more meaningful (and less) signso Add bulletin boards and large postered signageo Avoid clutter

1st floor, informational and policy signs 2nd floor, mostly policy and some informational signs 3rd floor, mostly policy, some informational and few

directional signs

Step 2: Best Practice Document

• Create sample templates• Create designs for different purposes • Create signage map locator• Create signage policy• Assign signage contacts • Adhere to ADA compliance• Create a thesaurus for consistent language• Gather feedback from colleagues and patrons• Re-visit signs regularly

Signage Locator Mapping Toolentrance to library's main floor

Signage Locator Mapping Tool

Step 3: Signage Policy 101

I. Mission Statement

II. Library Signage Classification o signage message (promotional, directional, policy)o signage type (temporary, in-house, permanent)

III. Design Checklist

1. Consistency2. Font type3. Font color3. Sign orientation4. Branding5. Language 6. Tone (is it punitive?)7. Visuals (photos)8. Placement9. ADA compliance

Elements of a Signage Policy

Step 3: Signage Policy 101

IV. Requesting Library Signage1. Signage Request: Any staff or faculty member may fill out a sign request.2. Signage Approval: All requests are forwarded to the Chief Librarian and the

designated signage contact person. Requests must be approved by the Chief Librarian and will be prioritized by the following criteria:a. Time sensitive events (Library events or programs)b. Policy or directional additions or revisions

V. Installation of Signs3. Permanent Signs

All permanent signs may be requested through the Chief Librarian. A permanent sign request form will be made available through the Library’s Intranet Web Site.

4. In-house SignsIn-house signs may be requested by contacting the designated signage person. A

temporary signage request form will be made available through the Library’s Intranet.

Elements of a Signage Policy

Step 4: Designate a Signage Contact Duties include:

• Perform an audit at the beginning and end of each semester to account for currency and accuracy of signs

• Prepare reports for the Chief Librarian and update colleagues at Department Meetings

• Evaluates and revises best practice guidelines

Step 5: Mounting and Placement• Avoid visible tape

• Avoid placing signs over older signs

• Avoid taping on walls and furniture. Instead, strategically placed bulletin boards and plastic holders are recommended

• To prevent glare, avoid lamination and placement under direct light

• Consult the signage map to keep track of location

Step 6: Workflow Management Create a workflow to:

• Confirm temporary (time-sensitive) signs are appropriately removed

• Ensure that signs have not been vandalized, damaged, moved, or lost

• Schedule regular signage updates

Conclusion• Document guidelines and policies

• Make templates available

• Advocate that signage be on the departmental agenda

• Accept that departmental buy-in may take time

• Budget: Even in-house signage has costs

• Signs are living documents