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

2. Point the Way, or Point of Failure?

3. Wayfinding Maps & Signs

4. Wayfinding Orientation to building/floor plan Find the book stacks Find the specific book

5. Maps & Signs Directional Design concepts Library signs

6. Wayfinding Signs Orientation-al Directional Identification

7. University of Chicago Study Lack of effective map and sign system Problems with terminology Difficulty reading call numbers

8. FMEA: Failure Mode Effects & Analysis Identify ALL failures in a design Study the consequences of failure

9. Failure Who fails: the sign or the user?

10. 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

11. Orientation Maps; “you are here” Wayfinding process steps: – Record call number and location – Identify floor and collection

12. Orientation Failure Incomplete maps Where am I in the building?

13. Orientation Changes implemented Maps created that illustrate entire building footprint

14. Orientation Failure Poorly placed maps

15. Orientation Failure Where am I?

16. Orientation Changes implemented Single, well placed sign

17. Choice of Route Keep on Track Visual cues User’s perspective Information Wayfinding Process Steps: – Find proper floor – Locate proper shelving

18. Choice of Route Keep on Track Failure User’s perspective not considered

19. Choice of Route Keep on Track Changes implemented User’s perspective considered Clear visual cue that user is on track

20. Choice of Route Keep on Track Failure Visual clutter Changes implemented Eliminate visual clutter

21. Recognize Objective Information clear and unambiguous Avoid library lingo Wayfinding process steps: – Identify correct shelf – Identify correct book

22. Recognize Objective Failure Unfamiliarity with Library of Congress call numbers

23. Recognize Objective Failure Terminology problems

24. Recognize Objective Changes implemented Consolidate multiple collection into one Identify WHERE user is

25. Conclusions Identify points along the route Clear design concepts Consider the user’s point of view

26. 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