“Things are hard to find if you don’t know where to look” A presentation by the UW Library Signage Committee January 2002

We will discuss today: Our mandate What we’ve been doing thus far The signage study Next Steps

Our Mandate: In March 2001, the University Librarian charged a Signage Committee with reviewing and making recommendations for improvement to the signage in the Dana Porter Library. The formation of this Committee stemmed from a recommendation of the Information Services Review (1999) which suggests that the Library should “audit library signage to improve its effectiveness as one way of promoting information services and resources to targeted groups of users at strategic times in the academic year.”

Committee members are: Sharon Bissonnette Cheryl Kieswetter Sharon Lamont (Chair) Maureen McCormack Keith Peck Murray Shepherd Mary Stanley

What we’ve been doing: Conducted an inventory of current signage in the Porter Library Dana Porter Library Sign Survey Reviewed current literature on ‘Wayfinding’ Contacted other research libraries to determine what they were doing in this area Classified types of signs commonly found in the Library Developed and conducted a Signage Study

Signage Study We designed and conducted a study to identify strengths and weaknesses of the current signage in Porter with a particular focus on new users to the Library. The study was conducted in three sessions in mid August

Methodology With the help of the registrars office, we randomly selected 150 incoming, first-year students from the KW area An invitation to participate in the study was sent via Our goal was to recruit 36 students We then divided the participants into 3 groups of 12.

The study included three parts: The initial task- designed to move participants throughout the Library to find a book and various facilities Comprehension exercise- acted as a springboard for group discussion Group discussion- focused on the current signage and lack of signage

To find a book in this library you have to consult our catalogue. What steps did you take to find the library catalogue?………………………………… Did you have to ask? Yes No If so, where did you ask?……………………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………………… ………… What is the University Of Waterloo Library catalogue called?……………………….. Where did you find this information?……………………………………………

You may have seen these terms on signs in the library. To help us understand your comprehension of these terms, please select the definition that you think is most correct, or write your own definition online Book Return 1.Sequel to a previously published book 2.Where the books go when you bring them back 3.A long slide to nowhere 4.Other … 2. Information Services and Resources 1.Also known as reference and collections 2.A first year class in Computer Sciences 3.Cancel Reboot on a library PC 4.Other … 3. Circulation 1.The study of blood flow in mammals 2.A fan will do this to the air 3.Library materials going to you and back to the library 4. Other...

Our findings: 81% of the participants had never visited the Porter Library prior to the study The results of the study can be grouped into the following categories: Strengths of Current Signage Weaknesses of current signage Participant’s recommendations

Signs that the participants found easily and were helpful had one or more of the following characteristics: They were located where the participants expected to see them They were clearly visible They contained concise information in simple language

Signage problems fell into one of the following: Confusing signs Signs that contained library jargon Lack of visible signage

Participant’s recommendations: Building signage Floor signage Information signs General recommendations

General Comments about the Study: The participants reported that they were intimidated and overwhelmed by the size of the Library. They wanted to know “where to start.” They found the floor layouts and the LC classification system problematic

The students viewed their participation in the study as an opportunity to become familiar with the Library before the start of classes. Some said their friends wanted to know how they could also participate. They also enjoyed the interactive nature of the study.

Recommendations The study was a valuable exercise that provided insight into the various challenges faced by students entering our doors for the first time. As a result of the study, the Signage Committee developed the following recommendations: Recommendation 1: Share the study findings with library staff Action: Signage Committee

Recommendation 2: Identify the 2nd floor as Main Floor in the elevators Action: Facilities Recommendation 3: Prominently display the price of photocopying on the copiers Action: Graphics

Recommendation 4: More prominently display/distribute the Guide to the Dana Porter Library Action: ISR Recommendation 5: Consider moving or relocating the Library of Congress Classification sign posted by the elevators or make it available in another format Action: ISR

Recommendation 6: Investigate the possibility of offering an interactive orientation workshop in August for students soon to be entering UW Action: Library Instruction Committee Recommendation 7: Investigate the possibility of taking responsibility from Plant Operations for the outdated signs in the stairwells Action: Facilities

Recommendation 8: The primary recommendation of the Signage Committee is that the Library hire a sign design consultant to develop a comprehensive signage program for the Dana Porter Library. The consultant should work with the Library Signage Committee to review the recommendations, to design a signage system, and to develop guidelines for future signage needs.

Next Steps In order to collect additional data we will be looking to library staff to participate in the following: A 3-day study to determine the types and numbers of directional questions asked at service points and to other library staff A solicitation of staff opinions about current signage Both Davis and UMD would benefit from a review