In this week’s Princh Library Blog post, recurring guest writer Sam L. Bowman gives advice on how you can improve your library’s signage by implementing diagrams. He discusses some basic principles to keep in mind when designing signage, pictography practices, and more. Enjoy!

Libraries exist to encourage reading, writing, researching, and getting involved in your community. For a library to spark curiosity and propel knowledge forward, it has to be easily accessible and useful to its patrons.

Clear and user-friendly signage allows the library experience to be equally beneficial for all. Whether these signs are pointing to restrooms or describing how to use printers and copiers, diagrams can help clarify meaning and level the library playing field. In this post, you can read about how to implement diagrams in your library signage to increase impact and transcend barriers.

The Benefits of Diagrams on Library Signs

Signs in libraries are inherently helpful. For starters, you’re staying compliant with the American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessible design — or other regulations regarding accessibility. These regulations include:

• High-contrast colors;
• Non-glare finishes;
• Clear fonts, including dyslexia-friendly fonts;
• Appropriate pictograms, or symbols, such as wheelchair symbols for wheelchair-accessible stalls;
• Tactile characters, like braille.

With diagrams, you are further distilling complex information into simpler visual representations. This can help patron navigation, particularly if you have a larger library with several floors and sections. The quick comprehension of signs for all library patrons is enhanced with diagrams, saving time and allowing visitors to find what they need faster and easier. Reduced cognitive load allows them to focus fully on what resources they need to find and use. This aids in creating a positive customer experience and, ultimately, long-term loyalty.

Beyond ease of use, diagrams enhance library accessibility. Visitors will range in ability, and providing diagrams can ensure that everyone can comprehend how to use the facilities and access them equally.

Designing Effective Library Diagrams

It may feel like a big undertaking to add diagrams to library signage. However, it can be simple and seamless with some planning, and the results are worth it. You can easily design detailed and visually appealing diagrams with online diagram makers or software. This way, you don’t have to be or hire an experienced graphic designer if you’re on a limited budget. These tools are imperative when you’re striving to create simplistic diagrams to explain complex processes, like using a 3D printer or searching the library catalog.

Tips for creating accessible and informative diagrams include:

• Using simple, recognizable symbols;
• Ensuring legibility (font size, contrast);
• Considering color-coding for different sections;
• Incorporating universal icons (e.g., restroom, exit).

Design with inclusivity in mind, considering diverse audiences who may speak a different language or vary in ability. Large-format scanning can be helpful when you’re looking to produce clear, high-resolution diagrams. This is important to ensure readability and visual clarity of prints that are larger than typical A4 prints (8.3” x 11.7”). This type of printing ensures the quality of your prints and you can use several file types like PDF, TIFF, JPG, and PNG. This makes it easier to design and print large diagrams without having to convert files. There are cost-effective options for large-format scanning that your library can explore, as well, like working with local print shops or government and university programs.

Learn the key aspects of Princh! Watch our on-demand demos at your convenience and see what makes Princh such a simple solution. Watch our demos here.

Implementation Strategies

Once you’ve designed user-friendly, clear diagrams for your library signage, it’s time to decide how to implement them. Consider mindful placement, including:

• Entrances and exits: should be highly visible and include emergency evacuation instructions;
• Key navigation areas: like elevators, staircases, meeting rooms, and restrooms;
• Wayfinding paths: like directional arrows on floors or the sides of bookshelves.

Consider the best placement for each type of sign, such as arrows on floors or eye-level restroom signs. Further, it’s helpful to maintain a uniform style across all diagrams and signage. This can be achieved by choosing the same fonts, symbols, and colors that represent things consistently across all signs. This helps with familiarity and understanding.

Library accessibility relies on the lived experiences of patrons and staff. Gathering feedback is a great way to increase your understanding of the efficacy of the diagrams. Take note if patrons are frequently asking questions about where to go or how to conduct certain tasks. You can even offer incentives for patrons to participate in library design, conducting trials of usability and gathering feedback based on their use of the library’s features via diagrams. Then, you can adjust based on that feedback.

The Future of Library Signage

Throughout the library diagram design process, it’s important to remember that effective implementation goes beyond aesthetics. While you want to keep the design consistent, it’s of utmost importance that your library signs are useful.

Consistently refining your library layout and diagrammed signage will allow you to keep up with the evolving needs of your patrons and expand into the future. Libraries can continue to create a welcoming, accessible environment for all. This is possible as long as you invest in understanding the needs of your visitors, time and time again.

We will be back with another interesting article from the library world soon!

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