Library Signage: Point the Way, or Point of Failure?

Library Signage: Point the Way, or Point of Failure? Nancy Kress University of Nevada, Las Vegas 7/13/09

Point the Way, or Point of Failure?

WayfindingMaps & Signs

Wayfinding • Orientation to building/floor plan • Find the book stacks • Find the specific book

Maps & Signs • Directional • Design concepts • Library signs

Wayfinding Signs • Orientation-al • Directional • Identification

University of Chicago Study • Lack of effective map and sign system • Problems with terminology • Difficulty reading call numbers

FMEA:Failure Mode Effects & Analysis • Identify ALL failures in a design • Study the consequences of failure

Failure • Who fails: the sign or the user?

Wayfinding • search online catalog • record call number and location • identify floor and collection • find proper floor • locate proper shelving • identify correct shelf • find the book

Orientation • Maps; “you are here” • Wayfinding process steps: • Record call number and location • Identify floor and collection

Orientation Failure • Incomplete maps • Where am I in the building?

Orientation Changes implemented • Maps created that illustrate entire building footprint

Orientation Failure • Poorly placed maps

Orientation Failure • Where am I?

Orientation Changes implemented • Single, well placed sign

Choice of RouteKeep on Track • Visual cues • User’s perspective • Information • Wayfinding Process Steps: • Find proper floor • Locate proper shelving

Choice of RouteKeep on Track Failure • User’s perspective not considered

Choice of RouteKeep on Track Changes implemented • User’s perspective considered • Clear visual cue that user is on track

Choice of RouteKeep on Track Failure Changes implemented Eliminate visual clutter • Visual clutter

Recognize Objective • Information clear and unambiguous • Avoid library lingo • Wayfinding process steps: • Identify correct shelf • Identify correct book

Recognize Objective Failure • Unfamiliarity with Library of Congress call numbers

Recognize Objective Failure • Terminology problems

Recognize Objective Changes implemented • Consolidate multiple collection into one • Identify WHERE user is

Conclusions Identify points along the route Clear design concepts Consider the user’s point of view

References • Tatarka, A., Larsen, D., Olsen, T., & Kress, N. (2007). Wayfinding in the library: Usability testing of physical spaces. Proceedings of the Library Assessment Conference: Building Effective, Sustainable, Practical Assessment, Charlottesville, VA. • Links to both University of Chicago Wayfinding presentations can be found at the website for the ACRL Assessment Conferences: http://libraryassessment.org/archive/index.shtml

Library Signage: Point the Way, or Point of Failure?

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