SIGN SYSTEM REPORT
    Project Budget Request

 

July 27, 1994

Project Manager:

Facilities Planning Officer

Project Title:

Library Sign System

Description:

Coordinate the design and installation of a rational sign system which communicates the essential information elements of direction, information and instruction. The sign system will include signing in the Humanities/Social Sciences Library (i.e., Library West), Maston Science Library and the branch libraries of Education, Music and Architecture and Fine Arts. A sign system for the Smathers Library has been included in the building renovation program.

Rationale:

Signs in an academic library system are a matter of considerable importance. The buildings require room signs with room numbers and function or occupant's name where appropriate; directional guides and public directories; and other graphics to assist users in obtaining information. Clarity, good design and proper placement are crutial design issues. Compliance to American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements is also an important concern.

Methodology:

The Facilities Planning Office will coordinate the project based upon recommendations from the Library Sign Committee and individual library heads. The project will be completed in phases.

Phase I will include the installation of exterior identification signs and major interior signs in public areas and at the decision-making points in Library West. Phase II will be the same type of signs at Marston Science Library. Phase III will be the branch libraries. Phase IV will involve the installation of smaller destination signs such as room identification signs, range markers, etc. in Library West and Marston Science. Phase V will complet the branch libraries. Again, plans for Smathers Library are included in its renovation program.

Phase I	Library West    Exterior & major interior signs
Phase II	Marston Science Library    Exterior & major interior signs
Phase III	Branch libraries    Exterior & major interior signs
Phase IV	Library West & Marston Science    Room and range signs
Phase V	Branch Library    Room and range signs

Budget:

Phase I, Library West

Lobby directory	$1500
Wall directory (6 @ $220)	$1320
Exit alarm signs (2 @ $50)	$100
Informational signs (10 @ $120)	$1200
Exterior entrance sign	$2000
Phase Total	$6120

Phase I1, Marston Science

Lobby directory	$1500
Wall directory (5 @ $220)	$1100
Exit alarm signs (2 @ $50)	$100
Informational signs (6 @ $120)	$720
Exterior entrance sign	$2000
Phase Total	$5420

Phase III, Branch Libraries

Lobby directory (2 @ $1500	$3000
Wall directory (6 @ $220)	$1320
Exit alarm signs (3 @ $50)	$150
Informational signs (6 @ $120)	$720
Exterior entrance sign (3 @ $750)	$2250
Phase Total	$7440

Phase IV and V

Budget to be determined

For Fiscal Year 1995, funds for Phases I through III are requested. The total is $18,980. Funding for Phase IV and V will be requested in Fiscal Year 1996. The University Committee on Persons with Disabilities has some funds which could also be ustilized for interior signage which is required to meet ADA specifications.

Followup:

Following installation of a sign system, a standing committee will regulate signage. This committee will develop and implement library-wide standards and policy on signage. This Library Sign Committee will consist of not more than 4-5 people who are interested in signage issues, staggered in their appointments for continuity, who will network with the Safety and Security Committee which is comprised on representatives from each geographic library location.

Signage standards and policy will include rules; standards for size, color, font, permanency, wording, etc.; procedures for submission of requests and for review by the Library Sign Committee; establishment of emergency sign procedures when the review period must be waived (e.g., "Restroom out-of-order"); forms for requesting signs; provision of staff education and building monitors; and determination of long-range policies as needed. The Committee will hold an initial open meeting to educate library staff about how our interior environment communicates about ourselves and to introduce standards and policy. The Safety and Security Committee will be charge with monitoring signage in each location.

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