Library Signage: Point the Way, or Point of Failure?
Nancy KressUniversity 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
OrientationFailure• Incomplete maps• Where am I in the
building?
OrientationChanges implemented• Maps created that
illustrate entire building footprint
OrientationFailure• Poorly placed
maps
OrientationFailure• Where am I?
OrientationChanges 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• Visual clutter
Changes implemented• Eliminate visual clutter
Recognize Objective• Information clear and unambiguous• Avoid library lingo
• Wayfinding process steps:– Identify correct shelf– Identify correct book
Recognize ObjectiveFailure• Unfamiliarity with
Library of Congress call numbers
Recognize ObjectiveFailure• 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