12. How to tell people where to go

All pubic libraries know that people often have trouble finding what they want in the library, or even finding their way there in the first place. Good quality signage can improve the public’s experience of libraries enormously.

There are four main kinds of signs:

• information (generally about orientation)
   
• direction (which way to go)
   
• identification (such as signage on shelves)
   
• safety (fire exits, hazards and warnings).

Cavan Library Service has produced a signage checklist which covers:

• optimum location of signs
   
• content: language, wording, punctuation, spacing
   
• surface finish, colour contrast and background
   
• typefaces and lettering sizes
   
• tactile finish
   
• symbols and directional arrows
   
• audible signs.

You can download the checklist from the ‘Accessibility Advice’ section of Access Cavan website.

Always put signs in places where they can be seen easily, and where there is sufficient light to be able to read them.