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December 4, 2008

New signage directs Hillman Library patrons

Bright new signs are helping library patrons find their way at Hillman Library. Located mainly on the ground level and first floor, signs stenciled on walls and wrapped around structural pillars in bold red, orange, green and blue have replaced an understated color scheme. “It was so beige,” said librarian Jeff Wisniewski, who said the change also reflects simplified language University Library System has adopted in other areas, such as on its web site.

Some color-coding is at work: collection-related signage is blue; action-related signs are red, he said. The reference desk is located near a red “ask” sign; lending has become “checkout” and interlibrary loan “requests from other libraries.” In the stairwells, patrons can more easily orient themselves with signs listing main areas and services as well as an indication of where the user is in relation to them.

Staff surveys and studies of how students use the library contributed to the signage choices and placement over approximately a year of planning for the project.

The new signs were painted over the course of approximately eight weeks; finishing touches are still underway. Plans are in the works to standardize and streamline the many tabletop signs such as those located at the reference desk and in the checkout areas.

Filed under: Feature,Volume 41 Issue 8

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