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July 10, 2006
Signs
Michael Stephens has posted his collection of library signs (don't you just love digital cameras?!) on his Tame The Web blog.
It engenders a good discussion (both online and offline!). Some signs are good, others are bad and some spark debate. Here's some Suggestions and questions:
1. First start by walking around your library and read and inventory all signs. Don't forget the desktops! Add them to a spreadsheet and get ready to label and sort. Library folk love this sort of exercise! You could even have an ice cream / brown bagger walk around to make this fun for all staff ths summer. It's cheap and cheerful.
2. How many signs say "No"? How many signs say "Yes"? What is your library's score on the visible scale of welcoming and postive tone?
3. How many words on each sign? Compare this to the world outside your library. What's your average? Is your average sign snappy, very wordy, essay length? Are they appropriate for the area (e.g. Kids rooms, Seniors)? Simple is better.
4. How many signs are symbols? These are multilingual. Can some of your signs be replaced with international symbols?
5. How professional do they look? Are they clean, snappy, good typefaces, plasticized, etc.? Give each sign a score on 1-5 scale. For instance, give magic marker signs or handwritten ones a "1" and professional designs a "5". Laser prints in plastic sleeves get a "3". How do your signs score? Can they be read by a senior at ten paces?
6. How consistent are they? Do they present a professional image that makes the library a welcoming place for all? Is your logo fresh and consistently used throughout the library signage? Are they B&W and is that best?
7. Go back to your spreadsheet. Can you edit signs? Can you remove signs? Can you add signs? Have some outlasted their usefulness? Remove visual clutter. Your workplace will be nicer for you too. (oh yeah, take a look at your bulletin boards too... be strong and assertive)
OK - Now think about your portal and web presence. Does it look graphically better than the physical experience in your library? Is it markedly different? Why? Does your physical signage and your bricks experience enhance and extend your web experience? Print colour is easy now. It's cheap too. Are we ready to embrace beautiful signs? Look at the signage in the best stores, airports, hotels and parks. Can we do as well?
Just asking.
Stephen
Posted by stephen at July 10, 2006 3:04 PM
Comments
Unfortunately, even though color printers are cheaper now than ever before, there still exists the prejudice from Library Commissions and County Commissions against purchasing these for the library: "Why do you need this? You've been doing fine with b&w all this time!"
Of course, color COPIERS are still out of our budget range, too, for multiple copies of brochures, signs, etc.
sigh. Maybe one day, need will surpass Bureaucracy!
Posted by: Jim Elliott at August 30, 2006 1:01 PM