Signage and Displays


Signage and Displays

 

 

Library Signage and Displays

When considering signage and displays for the Library Media Center (LMC) it is important to consider the perceived impact the signs and information will have on all members of the school community: students, faculty and staff, parents, and community members. LMC signage and displays should be prepared ahead of time and ready when the LMC opens for use. Professional literature on this topic suggests that this is a delicate balance and that more and bigger signage is not always better but that signage should be carefully considered based on the needs of the LMC users and the purposes of the spaces in the LMC. Literature also indicates that signage should utilize graphics as often as possible in the place of text. Essential directions and information should be posted for LMC users in clear and understandable language and font in locations that are logical based on the arrangement of the LMC and the purposes of the space. White on black, navy or brown is considered the most readable contrast of signage colors. The font on signs needs to be large enough for people with impaired vision to be able to read and three inches is considered a reasonable compliance.  Signage may also need to be posted in other languages based on the language needs of the school community. LMC signage may be created by the LMC staff to fit the above requirements or may be ordered pre-made from a vendor.

Some essential library signage may include:

·          Directions to departments, restrooms, elevators, stairs, special collections, circulation desk, computer labs, and instructional areas.

·          Policies of library expectations on the part of the LMC staff (mission and or vision of the LMC aligned with the mission/vision of the school) and on the part of the students – expected behavior.

·         Policies for checking out and returning books.

·         Identification of various sections of the LMC: Reference, Biography, Fiction, Periodicals, etc.

·         Identification of Dewey sections.

·         Identification of computer labs/instructional spaces: Lab 1, Lab 2 or Blue Lab, Red Lab (based on the school colors)

·         Near each computer station should be posted the school/county policies on acceptable use of information and rules about the use of headphones, printers and other LMC resources.

Displays may include

·         Instructions for correctly citing sources, instructions for style guidelines for students who are creating their own products.

·         Topics of interest for students in news media, fiction, non -fiction.

·         Models of student work.

·         Things happening in the school community.

·         Expectations for students, examples of model students or teachers within the school community.

·         Student achievements