Effective Library Signage: Tips, Tricks, & Best Practices (Sample Policy): July 2019

1. CSI Library Signage Policy and Guidelines
I. Mission Statement
This document provides a list of policies and procedures that relate to the seamless development of
effective signage at the College of Staten Island Library at the City University of New York.
These guidelines aim for consistency in language, branding, design, and overall message that
promote user awareness and a visual identity throughout the Library.
This document defines the following:
1. Three types of signage located throughout the library
2. Basic elements of sign design
3. Sign installation procedures
Evaluation of the signage policy will occur once per semester by the Signage Subcommittee
of the CSI Library Marketing and Outreach Committee.
II. Categories of Library Signage
There are three content categories of library signage:
A. Directional
B. Policy
C. Informational (educational or promotional)
III. Elements of Effective Sign Design
All categories of signage shall possess a common “look and feel”. Their message, language,
branding, and overall design will be consistent. Nine elements are discussed below:
1. Typeface (font family)
2. Color
3. Size
4. Branding
5. Language
6. Message and Tone
7. Visuals (images)
8. Mounting/Placement
9. ADA Compliance

2. Elements Described in detail
1. Type face: TradeGothic LT, a sans serif typeface, will be used for all categories
of signage. Both lower and upper case lettering is permitted; however, the use of all caps
is to be avoided.
2. Color: The color of all signs will be either:
• Background: white RGB: 255,255,255
Border: College of Staten Island colors : RGB: 127, 198,240
Font color: RGB: 96, 101, 105
3. Size: Signs will be limited to 8 by 11, 8 by 14, and 15 x 20
Preferred sign dimensions are 20 x 30 or 24 x 36.
4. Branding: Branding will follow the College’s Branding guidelines. The use of the
College of Staten Island logo will be employed. The co-branding of the
City University of New York will be used in external publications.
5. Language: Library jargon and technical language are avoided. The use of simple,
plain language shall be employed. Language will be consistent through the use of the
signage thesaurus, a controlled vocabulary list of thirty (30) words. Language must
not conflict with library policies. Terms must be clearly defined and only one term
should be used in all signage. Handwritten signs are strongly avoided.
6. Message and Tone: Avoid punitive language. The use of “no” in signage text shall
be avoided. Simple language will be employed with no more than five words on a
single sign.
7. Visuals: Clipart is avoided on all signage. The use of “in-house” photographs
without any identifiers (i.e. students’ faces) or those in the public domain shall be
used. Anonymity is strongly encouraged with all signage. Stock photography is
discouraged.
8. Mounting and Placement: Signage is placed strategically based on the signage locator
tool managed by the designated signage person. Signage is mounted and placed at
decision points. According to ADA guidelines, signs should be between 48” and 60” off
the ground, on the latch side of a door.
Please consult the CSI Library signage locator tool to view signage “hotspots.”
Signage posted in spaces not approved by the signage subcommittee will be
removed. Visual tape is not permitted. Signage should be mounted on designated
bulletin boards, plastic holders or mounted using double sided tape in neat and
straight fashion. Avoid signage on furniture and windows.

3. 9. ADA Compliance: High contrast (at least 70%), non-glare, Sans serif typeface,
black or dark grey text (corresponds to College font color) with a white background
is preferred, in accordance with ADA compliance. Glare is to be avoided at all times.
See http://www.ada.gov/stdspdf.htm for more information on the 2010 ADA
Guidelines for Accessible Design.
IV. Requesting Library Signage
A. Signage Request: Any staff or faculty member may submit a sign request.
B. Signage Approval: All requests are forwarded to the Chief Librarian and the designated
signage contact person. Requests will be prioritized by the following criteria:
1. Time sensitive events (Library events or programs)
2. Policy or directional additions or revisions. These signs must be approved by the
Chief Librarian in consultation with the Library Department.

4. V. Installation
A. Permanent Signs
Permanent signs are professionally manufactured signs, created by and installed at the
institutional level. Therefore, requests for such signs have to be made through the Chief
Librarian. They include wayfinding structures and wayfinding signage.
B. In-House and Temporary Signs (less than 7 days)
In-House signs are developed and prepared by members of the signage subcommittee.
Temporary Signs have a lifespan of 7 days or less. Both may be requested by
contacting the designated signage person or Signage Subcommittee. Please specify
type of sign and whether sign is time sensitive. Both must be approved by the Chief
Librarian.
The CSI Library Signage Guidelines were prepared by M.A. Polger and A.F. Stempler, October
2012, revised June 2019.