lmcc16 - auditing and replacing library signage: maintaining effectiveness and relevancy after the...

Mark Aaron Polger, Assistant ProfessorFirst Year Experience Librarian & Information Literacy InstructorCollege of Staten Island, [email protected]

Auditing and Replacing Library Signage: Maintaining Effectiveness and Relevancy

After the Project

2016 Library Marketing and Communications ConferenceNovember 16-17, 2016

Dallas, Texas

Department of the Library

OutlineWhy signage is importantWhy audit?Where I WorkPurposes of signsCategories of signsAuditing DiscoveriesMass RemovalPhase 1 of AssessmentPhase 2 of AssessmentReplacementBefore & After ExamplesDo’s and Don’tsMaintaining EffectivenessAdopting New Signage Values Conclusion


Why Signage is Important!

CommunicatesPromotesProvides directionsProvides Policies


Why Audit?

Too many signsPoor placementUnclear/mixed messages Inconsistent designToo much textPunitivePassive aggressive and/or sarcastic


Where I Work

College of Staten Island, one of the24 colleges of the City University ofNew York (CUNY)Comprehensive college 14,000 students 204 acre campus30,000 square foot library14 full time librarians, 10 adjuncts65 staff in totalCredit coursesNew student residences


Purposes of Signs

1. Promotional2. Policy3. Directional4. Informational


Categories of Signs

1. In-house (DIY)2. Permanent (institutional)3. Temporary (i.e. out of order)4. External (for the public)


Auditing Discoveries

Outdated signsInconsistent design Inconsistent brandingNo brandingPunitive Repetitive and Contradictory


Mass Removal

Removed outdated and punitive signageRemoved signage that was text heavyRemoved handwritten signs


Phase 1 of Assessment

Approximately 60 library employees participated

Faculty and staff identified preferred font face, font size, and language preference

Buy-in was challenging


Phase 2 of Assessment

Signage preference questionnaire (N=325)

Students received 6 signs with identical messagesin both old and new designs

Students were asked to select their preferred signs

Solicited open ended comments


Replacement

Create design templatesTracked sign locationMindful of placementReplaced with half the number of signsAvoid glare


Cell Phone Policy Signs


Calculator Signs


Textbook Signs


Do’s and Don’ts


The Library should be welcoming. The Library is not a parking lot.

Treat library users as people, not cars.

Signs should not resemble stop signs

Keep Track of Your Signs


fake real

Create Templates & A Signage Policy


Place image here

Place text here

College logodepartment name

Avoid Glare

Embrace Contrast

(according to the ADA)


Avoid Clipart


Create a Signage Locator Map


Embrace Simplicity


Our Code of Conduct Used to Resemble the

U.S. Constitution

We created a simplerR.E.S.P.E.C.T.

awareness campaign


Signage Should be Large

Scale (24 X 36)


Use fewer words


Be friendly(we try to avoid “no”)


Discover Bump Points


Avoid…..

ALL CAPS ClutterSigns with no imagesWalls and FurnitureVisible TapeHandwritten signsFancy fonts (not legible)SarcasmPassive Aggressive ToneThreatening LanguageConfusing/Contradictory Signs


Avoid All caps…..


Avoid clutter


Avoid signs without images


Avoid Walls, Doors, & Furniture(use frames or easels)


Avoid Visible Tape



Avoid Handwritten Signs


Avoid Passive Aggressive/ Punitive Signs

Getting buy-in

Might Take YearsListenCompromiseIn-Person MeetingsDesignate a Signage Contact/TeamData supports decisionsPartner with other campus groups



Maintaining Effectiveness

Policy Signs are ineffective if not enforcedUnderstand your AudienceAsk Questions & Use Focus GroupsConsistency (design, brand, fonts)Always revise and improveContinuously evaluate signsPartner with campus groups

Maintaining Effectiveness

Weekly Signage StrollSignage is effective when currentOngoing AssessmentTry Different Sizes Revisit Signage PolicyTweak templatesAssess Your Bump Points


Challenges

Enforcing PoliciesLack of Buy-in / Support Many Library Users Don’t ReadVandalismCulture shift might be slow


Develop New Signage Values

Avoid jargonDevelop a clear messageUse few wordsAvoid “no”Avoid “all caps”Be friendlyBe consistent Don’t contradictCreate a library brand


Conclusions

Signs are living documentsSigns should continuously be evaluated Placement is keyConsistency is keyCreate a signage policyCreate signage templatesGet buy-in from your department Don’t forget about ADA compliance


Thank you!

Contact information:

[email protected]

http://markaaronpolger.wix.com/hello
