Visual Signage and Academic Library Wayfinding
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53377/lq.19168Keywords:
visual signage, signage system, wayfinding, symbolsAbstract
Many academic libraries use the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system to organise their collections, but few academic library users are familiar with the LCC system or, in libraries with open stacks, able to use it to aid wayfinding and locate known items or discover areas for strategic browsing. This is especially true for students, and despite librarians’ efforts, the problem persists. In order to increase accessibility at Weber State University’s Stewart Library in Ogden, Utah, and to help users navigate the library to locate and discover resources, faculty librarians, graphic designers, a circulation specialist, and technical services personnel collaborated to design and test symbols and signs for a visual signage system founded on highly respected principles of accessibility and universal design. A set of symbols to represent the major LCC headings and other library collections was created and tested with users via surveys and focus groups. The revised symbols were then colour coded to physical areas of the library and incorporated into a variety of identification, directional, and navigational signs together with verbal subject headings or captions to enable wayfinding. User testing of the signage and student feedback in a questionnaire during a needs assessment demonstrated the overall efficacy of the system which, with the symbols, can be adapted to other open-stack libraries and classification systems.
Downloads
References
Almeida, N., & Tidal, J. (2022). Library wayfinding and ESOL students: Communication challenges and empathy-based intervention. Libraries and the Academy, 22(2), 453-474. https://doi.org/10.1353/pla.2022.0025
Barclay, D. A., & Scott, E. D. (2012, March 20). Directions to library wayfinding. American Libraries, 43(3/4), 36-38. https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/examples/magazine-article-references
Bosman, E., & Rusinek, C. (1997). Creating the user-friendly library by evaluating patron perceptions of signage. Reference Services Review, 25(1), 71-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907329710306599
Carr, A. R. (2006, April). An experiment with art library users, signs, and wayfinding [Master’s thesis]. Carolina Digital Repository. https://doi.org/10.17615/ny6f-j118
CAST (2025). Universal Design for Learning. https://www.cast.org/what-we-do/universal-design-for-learning/
CAST (2024). The UDL guidelines. http://udlguidelines.cast.org
Center for Universal Design (1997). The Principles of Universal Design. NC State University College of Design. https://design.ncsu.edu/research/center-for-universal-design/
Duran, I. E. (2016). The influence of familiarity and signage on wayfinding in academic libraries: The case of Bilkent University Library (Publication No. 10125929) [Master’s thesis]. Bilkent University Institutional Repository. http://repository.bilkent.edu.tr/bitstream/handle/11693/32315/10125929.pdf
Eaton, G. (1991). Wayfinding in the library: Book searches and route uncertainty. RQ, 30(4), 519-527. https://www.jstor.org/stable/25828878
Eichelberger, M., Hagelberger, C., Smith, S., Westfall, A. (2017). Signage UX: Updating library signs for a new generation. College & Research Libraries, 78(10), 560-562. https://doi.org/10.5860/crln.78.10.560
Fabbrizzi, A. (2014). An atlas of classification. Signage between open shelves, the web and the catalogue. JLIS, 5(2), 101-122. http://digital.casalini.it/10.4403/jlis.it-10068
Fawley, N. (2012). Appearances do matter! What libraries can learn from Clinton Kelly. C&RL News, 73(7), 414-415. https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/article/view/8797/9382
Hahn, J., & Zitron, L. (2011). How first-year students navigate the stacks: Implications for improving wayfinding. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 51(1), 28-35. https://www.jstor.org/stable/refuseserq.51.1.28
Hashim, M. J., Alkaabi, M. S. K. M., & Bharwani, S. (2014). Interpretation of way-finding healthcare symbols by a multicultural population: Navigation signage design for global health. Applied Ergonomics, 45(3), 503-509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apergo.2013.07.002
Hegarty, N. (2014). Developing a user-friendly shelf signposting system at Limerick Institute of Technology Library. SCONUL Focus (62), 13-15. https://www.sconul.ac.uk/search?search-control=Developing%20a%20user-friendly%20shelf%20signposting%20system%20at%20Limerick%20Institute%20of%20Technology%20Library
Helvacioglu, E., & Olgunturk, N. (2009). Colour contribution to children's wayfinding in school environments. Optics & Laser Technology, 43(2), 410-419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optlastec.2009.06.012
Howe, N., & Wilsher, W. (2014, September 18). Creating clear and simple signage. Library Journal, 139(15). https://www.libraryjournal.com/story/creating-clear-and-simple-signage-design4impact
Humrickhouse, L. (2012, April 25). New ADA signage standards take effect. American Libraries 43(5/6), 24-25). https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2012/04/25/new-ada-signage-standards-take-effect/
Jalees, D. (2020). Design thinking in the library space: Problem-solving signage like a graphic designer. Art Libraries Journal, 45(3), 114-121. https://doi.org/10.1017/alj.2020.17
Johnston, M. P., & Mandel, L. H. (2014). Are we leaving them lost in the woods with no breadcrumbs to follow? Assessing signage systems in school libraries. School Libraries Worldwide, 20(2), 38-53. https://doi.org/10.29173/slw6878
Joy Lo, C.-W., Yien, H.-W., & Chen, I.-P. (2016). How universal are universal symbols? An estimation of cross-cultural adoption of universal healthcare symbols. Health Environments Research & Design Journal, 9(3), 116-134. https://doi.org/10.1177/1937586715616360
Kennedy, M. (2010, September 1). Finding your way. American School & University, 83(1), 14. https://www.asumag.com/planning-design/signage-wayfinding/article/20838169/finding-your-way
Kinsley, K. M., Schoonover, D., & Spitler, J. (2016). GoPro as an ethnographic tool: A wayfinding study in an academic library. Journal of Access Services, 13(1), 7-23. https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2016.1154465
Kuliga, S.F., Nelligan, B., Dalton, R.C., Marchette, S., Shelton, A.L., Carlson, L., & Holscher, C. (2019). Exploring individual differences and building complexity in wayfinding: The case of the Seattle Central Library. Environment and Behavior, 51(5), 622-665. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916519836149
Li, R., & Klippel, A. (2012). Wayfinding in libraries: Can problems be predicted? Journal of Map and Geography Libraries, 8(1), 21-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/15420353.2011.622456
Mandel, L. H. (2013). Finding their way: How public library users wayfind. Library & Information Science Research, 35(4), 264-271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2013.04.003
Mandel, L. H. (2017). Wayfinding research in library and information studies: State of the field. Evidence Based Library and Information Practice, 12(2), 133-148. https://doi.org/10.18438/B8395P
Mandel, L. H. (2020). Comparing different methodologies used in wayfinding research in library facilities. Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries, 9(2), 173-190. https://www.qqml-journal.net/index.php/qqml/article/view/660
Mandel, L. H., & Johnston, M. P. (2019). Evaluating library signage: A systematic method for conducting a library signage inventory. Journal of Librarianship and Information Science, 51(1), 150-161. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961000616681837
Mandel, L. H., & LeMeur, K. A. (2018). User wayfinding strategies in public library facilities. Library & Information Science Research, 40(1), 38-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2018.04.001
Mezick, J., Kispert, M. O., & Winters, L. (2016, April 6-8). Helping students navigate the library stacks [Conference presentation]. Tennessee Library Association 2016 Annual Conference, Kingsport, TN, United States.
Mezick, J., Winters, L., & Kispert, M. O. (2015, July 15-17). Do visuals help students navigate the academic library? [Conference presentation]. Regents Online Campus Collaborative (ROCC) 2015 Summer Academy, Pellissippi State Community College, Knoxville, TN, United States.
Misenhelter, M. (2017). Academic libraries and signage: Visual literacy skill to improve wayfinding. Emporia State Institutional Repository Collection. https://dspacep01.emporia.edu/handle/123456789/3582
Murphy, J., Long, D., & MacDonald, J. B. (2013). Students' understanding of the Library of Congress call number system. The Reference Librarian, 54(2), 103-117. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2013.755418
Nakao, A. (2005, September 23). Oakland: Library icons help those with learning disabilities navigate the shelves. San Francisco Chronicle. http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Oakland-Library-icons-help-those-with-learning-2607029.php
Pellissippi State Community College Libraries. (2014). PSCC library icons. https://lib.pstcc.edu/libraryicons
Poblocki, P. (2007). Signage/wayfinding: Nine simple ways to make signage more effective. American School & University, 80(1), 18.
Polger, M. A., & Stempler, A. F. (2014). Out with the old, in with the new: Best practices for replacing library signage. Public Services Quarterly, 10(2), 67-95. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2014.904210
Rakshikar, N., & Powdwal, S. (2020). Wayfinding behavior or university library users in Mumbai: An explorative study. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 40(2), 113-121. https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.40.02.15308
Schmidt, A. (2015, September 1). Positive signs. Library Journal, 140(14), 25.
Schoonover, D., & Kinsley, K. M. (2014). Stories from the stacks: Students lost in the labyrinth. Journal of Access Services, 11(3), 175-188. https://doi.org/10.1080/15367967.2014.914426
Schwartz, M. (2014, August 1). The way upward. Library Journal, 139(13), 20.
Singer, L., & Ritz, J. M. (1996). Wayfinding: Symbols and signs that send us on our way. The Technology Teacher, 56(3), 16-20.
Spina, C. (2020). Accessible and engaging graphic design. Public Services Quarterly, 16(3), 194-199. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2020.1772168
Stempler, A. F. (2013). Navigating circular library stacks: A case study on signage. Reference Services Review, 41(3), 503-513. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-02-2013-0006
Stempler, A. F., & Polger, M. A. (2013). Do you see the signs? Evaluating language, branding, and design in a library signage audit. Public Services Quarterly, 9(2), 121-135. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2013.785881
Su, W., Lu, Z., Sun, Y., & Liu, G. (2022). Let eyes tell: Experimental research on university library signage system and users’ wayfinding behavior. Library Hi Tech, 40(1), 198-221. https://doi.org/10.1108/LHT-01-2020-0007
Toji, S. (2012, May/June). ADA signage rules helpful [Letter to the editor]. American Libraries 43(5/6), 13. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/0512.pdf
United States Census Bureau (2022). QuickFacts: Ogden City, Utah. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/ogdencityutah/PST045222
VanderKlipp, M. (2013, November 1). A seamless experience for wayfinding: Tips for visitor signage and wayfinding on campus. American School & University. https://www.asumag.com/planning-design/signage-wayfinding/article/20851513/a-seamless-experience-for-wayfinding
Wakimoto, D. K. (2015). Librarians and graphic design: Preparation, roles, and desired support. Public Services Quarterly, 11(3), 171-182. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228959.2015.1054545
Weber State University (n.d.a). Colors. Retrieved August 20, 2020, from https://www.weber.edu/uistyleguide/colors.html
Weber State University (n.d.b). Fast facts. Retrieved August 1, 2023, from https://www.weber.edu/financialservices/ffacts.html
White, L. L. (2010, July 12). Signage: Better none than bad. American Libraries, 41(8), 23. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2010/07/12/signage-better-none-than-bad/
Wickline, M., & the Human-Computer Interaction Resource Network (2001). Coblis – Color Blindness Simulator. Colblindor. https://www.color-blindness.com/coblis-color-blindness-simulator/
Wismer, D. (1988). Library signage: Doing it right. Maine State Library. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED297755.pdf
Young, Jr., T. E. (2010). Marketing your school library media center: What we can learn from national bookstores. Library Media Connection, 28(6), 18-20.
Zaugg, H., Child, C., Bennett, D., Brown, J., Alcaraz, M., Allred, A., Andrus, N., Babcock, D., Barriga, M., Brown, M., Bulloch, L., Corbett, T., Curtin, M., Giossi, V., Hawkins, S., Hernandez, S., Jacobs, K., Jones, J., Kessler, D. … Zandamela, T. (2016). Comparing library wayfinding among novices and experts. Performance Measurement and Metrics, 17(1), 70-82. https://doi.org/10.1108/PMM-12-2015-0041
Zender, M. (2006). Advancing icon design for global non verbal communication: Or what does the word bow mean? Visible Language, 40(2), 178–206. https://journals.uc.edu/index.php/vl/article/view/5782
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Miranda Orvis Kispert, Nicole Beatty, Andrew Stapley, Holly Bowden, Rachel Middleton, McKell Richardson
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
How to Cite
