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

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.