Directional, Identification, and Orientation Signage in Eight Southern New Jersey Public

Libraries

A Presentation by

Rachel Simmons

Statement of the Problem

Public library patrons do not find what they need by themselves.

Better signage in public libraries can help reduce this problem.

Purpose of the Study

To discover if eight Southern New Jersey public libraries were practicing the principles of good signage for the benefit of their patrons.

What changes were needed to improve the signage used for direction, identification, and orientation in the libraries.

Important Related Studies

Creating the User-Friendly Library by Evaluating Patron Perception of Signage by Bosman & Rusinek

Signage and the ADA by Johnson

Effective Library Signage: A SPEC Kit by The Association of Research Libraries

Research Design

Applied research with unobtrusive, indirect data collection was used to discover signage problems

Population consisted of eight central public libraries in eight South Jersey counties (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Ocean, and Salem).

A checklist for directional, identification, and orientation signage criteria was used to collect data

Problem

Problem: Are selected libraries practicing the principles of good signage for the benefit of their patrons?

If not, what changes were needed to improve the signage?

Good Signage Findings

Signage design (typeface, letter spacing, color contrast, use of symbols, and color combinations)

Signage readability from a distance

Sign Sequence and PositioningSign Terminology (consistent, effective, and positive)

Flexibility (signs could be changed or moved easily)

At least one directory near one access point

Physical condition

Good Signage Cont.

ADA signs could be approached without encountering an object

Braille signage

Non-glare on permanent signs

Poor Signage

Sign system integration with the building and furniture

Upper and lower case letters

Signs designating various departments, sections, and services

Vandal proof signs

Directories per floor

Directional signage

Book displays

Poor Signage Cont.

Signage consistency for directional signs and identification signsAccessible elements displaying the International Symbol of AccessibilityPerpendicular signs to the route of travelPermanent overhead signs letteringInstallment of Braille signs on doorsBraille signs50% of the libraries were not ADA compliant

Conclusions to Study

The eight central libraries in South Jersey rated well in areas such as signage design, size, sequence, self-service, lighting, flexibility, and non-glare

Improvement was needed in areas such as sign system consistency and integration with the library facility

Some signs were missing and most libraries did not meet ADA standards

Possibilities for Further Study

Libraries could do their own evaluations using the checklist

The checklist could be used at other libraries in the state or elsewhere

Next time, the study could be done using description rather than percentages (qualitative research rather than quantitative)

Thank You

Any questions?