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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

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Signage Fundamentals:

Why have signage?

To Communicate

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Signs: Direct

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Signs: Warn

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Signs: Instruct

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Signs: Identify

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Signage Fundamentals

There are good signs

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Signage Fundamentals

There are bad signs

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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

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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.

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1. WAYFINDINGBegins before entering the Library

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1. WAYFINDINGShould be intuitiveShould be integrated in to the architecture and interior designShould flow from zone to zone seamlessly

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2. BRANDINGBranding is the process of giving an area or sign a personality or image that a patron is consistently drawn to.

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2. BRANDINGShould be used consistently throughout al levels of signage system and throughout all branches in a multi-branch system.

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3. PRIMARY SIGNAGEDirect the patrons to the basic or major areas of the library.

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4. SECONDARY SIGNAGESmaller signs identifying more specific parts of the building.

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5. TERTIARY SIGNAGELess significant signage, such as those identifying restrooms, storage rooms, donor walls or code required signage

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6. COLLATERAL SIGNAGETemporary signage, flyers etc. that are used to identify special programming, events ,collections or giveaways.

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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

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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

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2. KEEP IT SIMPLE_CONCISE

Keep it simple to allow for reading “on the Move”

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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.

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4. MERCHANDISE & MATERIALS AS SIGNAGEPlace popular materials “face out” to help customers find the section and materials that they are seeking.

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5. PICTURES & GRAPHICS SPEAK VOLUMESThese elements incorporated into signs get the point across quickly without needing to read.

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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.

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7. CONVEY A SENSE OF MOVEMENTSimple perceived movement invites curiosity. Three dimensional signage is effective for this.

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8. CONSISTENCY OF SIGNAGE HIERARCHYCreate a signage program to reinforce an intuitiveness for patrons.

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9. CONSISTENT LOOK AND FEELConsistent with building if possible. Typeface, color and materials.

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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.