This document summarizes a presentation on library signage. It discusses why signage is important for public relations, how to conduct a signage audit, examples of good and bad signage, and how to create an effective signage policy and templates. The presentation includes exercises where attendees analyze real library signage and suggest improvements. It emphasizes keeping signs simple, using a consistent style and vocabulary, and getting leadership and staff buy-in for changes. Resources on signage best practices and examples are also provided.

1. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Dr. Curtis R. Rogers,
Communications Director

2.  About me &
presentation style
 How it started
 Library signage is
public relations
 What is a signage
audit?
 Signage exercises
 Creating a signage
policy
 Effective library signage
concepts and resources

3.  2012
ALCOP
Conference
 (Assn. of Library
Communications
and Outreach
Professionals)
 Now – Library
Communications
Conference

4. Why is good signage
important?
Public vs. Staff area
signage.
Have you ever seen
passive-aggressive
library signs?
How can we solve
this problem?

5. Visit retail locations
Look and learn from
their signs
Branding?
Negative or positive?
Handwritten?
Printed? B&W/Color?

6. GROUP EXERCISE (5 minutes)
Each group receives real life library signs.
Think of how to reword the sign to make it
more friendly and have fewer words (use
back of sheet).
Remember: Keep it Simple!
Share new signs.

7. How to conduct a
simple signage
audit:
1. Walk around
library with camera
2. Take photos of all
and any kind of
signage
3. Upload and view
slideshow

8. SCSL Signage Audit
http://ow.ly/qyMCH
• Created set of
library signs in
flickr
• Worked with
Editorial
Committee to
review signs
• Still in the
process of
replacing old
signs…

9. Remnants

10. Before
After

11. Before
After

14. Before
After

15. Before

16. After

17.  Get examples
 Review with your
library’s Editorial (or
similar) Committee
 Break out policy into
components relevant to
your library:
• Mission
• Categories
• Design Elements
• Requesting Library
Signage

19.  Create templates
 Use controlled
vocabulary
 Include your library’s
logo
 Decide on set colors
 Decide on a font
family
 Library leadership
must be on board
 Establish a signage
committee if needed
 Educate staff at
meetings
 Appoint signage
contact(s)
 Post templates to
intranet or send via
email
 Keep current (signage
evolves)

20.  Take 5 minutes
 By yourself or with a
partner
 Walk around the library and
look critically at signs you
come across
 Make a note of GOOD
Signage
 Make suggestions on how
to CHANGE signage
 Don’t just say you don’t like
a sign. Provide input.
 Group discussion

21.  Flickr
 Pinterest
 PR Talk Listserv
 The Accidental Library
Marketer
 The Customer-
Focused Library: Re-
Inventing the Public
Library From the
Outside-In

22. Thank you!
Please feel
free to
contact me.
Dr. Curtis R. Rogers
803-734-8928
 crogers@statelibrary.sc.gov