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