Signage

A lot of thought has been given to directional signage for the library. We started with a list that included signs for most areas of the building but by a process of discussion and elimination we’ve managed to reduce this down to the most appropriate signs. Some areas of the library call out for signage and others are just too obvious to sign. As well as the signs themselves, the naming of areas has caused some debate. Should we use computer room or computer suite? What do we call an area that contains large print and talking books but also some crime books? Do we stick with Youth Area or wait for young people to name the area themselves?

We met two signage companies this morning and looked at their products and costs. We will use several different types of signs, some of them tactile. There will be welcome signs above the library counters, metal plates for door numbers and names, a graphic for toilet doors, a banner to pinpoint the Lolfa, a freestanding directional sign at the foot of the stairs, a list of main library areas beside the lift, and a few signs hanging from the ceilings.

There are large areas of clear glass in the library and as well as ordering signage in the next week or two we will need to order manifestations. These are the round white circles you see on glass to stop people walking into them. We’ll have manifestations around the entrance, on the computer room wall, on the clear glass doors to the library courtyard and on the wall of glass that divides us from the exhibition space.