directional, identification, and orientation signage in eight southern new jersey public libraries a...
TRANSCRIPT
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)