Transcript Library Signage: Point the Way, or Point of Failure? Nancy Kress University of Nevada, Las Vegas 7/13/09

Library Signage: Point the
Way, or Point of Failure?
Nancy Kress
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
7/13/09
Point the Way,
or Point of Failure?
Wayfinding
Maps & 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
Orientation
Failure
• Incomplete maps
• Where am I in the
building?
Orientation
Changes implemented
• Maps created that
illustrate entire
building footprint
Orientation
Failure
• Poorly placed
maps
Orientation
Failure
• Where am I?
Orientation
Changes implemented
• Single, well placed sign
Choice of Route
Keep on Track
• Visual cues
• User’s perspective
• Information
• Wayfinding Process Steps:
– Find proper floor
– Locate proper shelving
Choice of Route
Keep on Track
Failure
• User’s perspective not
considered
Choice of Route
Keep on Track
Changes implemented
• User’s perspective
considered
• Clear visual cue that
user is on track
Choice of Route
Keep 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 Objective
Failure
• Unfamiliarity with
Library of Congress call
numbers
Recognize Objective
Failure
• 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