Creating the User‐Friendly Library by Evaluating Patron Perception of Signage

Abstract

Despite all manners of instruction, there is a nagging sense that patrons have difficulty using the library. Further, despite the impact of the World Wide Web, the library “as a place” is important. The library building is seldom given much post‐construction thought, although lighting, collection arrangement, service points, signs, and study areas all contribute to a positive learning experience. A committee at Indiana University Northwest Library investigated ways to make the library’s collection and services more accessible by improving signage. This article describes the results of a preliminary and a follow‐up survey to evaluate users’ abilities to locate various signs effectively and comparatively analyzes responses from specific classes of participants.

Citation

Bosman, E. and Rusinek, C. (1997), "Creating the User‐Friendly Library by Evaluating Patron Perception of Signage", Reference Services Review, Vol. 25 No. 1, pp. 71-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907329710306599