One of the "Best Practices" I've noticed on both the Charlotte and Henrico trip was the large amount of GOOD signage. It's hard for staff to enforce policies if we don't have signs about them. They can be done nicely and politely, while being to the point.
Some of my favorites:
At Hendersonville they had one of my favorite signs:
"Top 5 Reasons Why Computer Sessions End"
Also one reminding people to SAVE THEIR WORK near all the computers. No negativity on the sign, just offers to help if patrons come see a staff member:
And my favorite from Henrico with the porn policy posted (sorry for the blurry photo)
<image coming soon>
Some signage was just about making good displays. See the cool lighted end-cap signs at North Park branch:
Comments (4)
Bill Nesmith said
at 4:55 pm on Apr 18, 2007
Just a few thoughts: 1) Signs are ignored most of the time. 2) Lots of signs are unattractive. 3) Signs telling people NOT to do something, or that we will NOT do something, send a very negative message.
Patricia Dew said
at 9:32 am on Apr 19, 2007
My $0.02 worth of comments on Bill's comments:
1) If you have enough signs, or enough eye-catching-visible signs, they are harder to ignore.
2) Attractive signs aren't unattractive. Like the lighted endcap signs in Herico Co.
3) You can say "NO" in a positive manner. See the "Top 5 Reasons" sign - there isn't a single "don't" on the sign. Only a big ol' fat hint as to what are "no-no's" in the library.
Jennifer Lohmann said
at 9:59 am on Apr 19, 2007
I agree that people can ignore signs, but that's a too easy reason to say why we shouldn't have them. If we don't tell people our policies in some fashion, I think it's almost unfair to try and enforce them and we need to enforce them.
Jennifer Lohmann said
at 9:59 am on Apr 19, 2007
Also (and this is more for big directional signs), if we can anticipate what information people would need on a sign (like signs at the ends of shelves or a big "Information" sign), we can make sure it's their when they look for it. Right now, people come up the stairs at Main and look around. There is no easy to see sign and that is a definite case of people wanting one.
You don't have permission to comment on this page.