Sign System Report.

University of Florida. Smathers Libraries. Preservation Department.

SIGN SYSTEM REPORT

By the Library Sign Committee
Steve Grube, Edward Teague, Alice Primack, Deborah Rinderknecht
July 1994

INTRODUCTION

The Library Sign Committee was appointed in September, 1992, and charged to make recommendations to improve and unify visual communications in the Smathers Libraries. The need for an attractive and effective sign system to provide orientation, assist in wayfinding and display information is evident in most all of our public and private spaces. Signage is an integral part of communication and is essential for promoting safety and accessibility.

The committee visited other library sites, surveyed literature, examined product materials, and communicated with sign vendors and manufacturers. The committee concluded that the library's long-range goal should be the development and implementation of a comprehensive sign system throughout the libraries. Such a system would promote effective wayfinding through the display of a uniform aesthetic concept and consistent terminology in all facilities. Specification for creation and display of signs ranging from stack labels to service point destinations would be included. The achievement of this goal is constrained by the scale, complexity and diversity of the libraries. The identification, acquisition and implementation of quality sign communications thorughout the library system could be a costly endeavor.

A phased approach to satisfy immediate needs and meet long-term objectives is required. Signs must be identified with respect to permanent or temporary nature and distinguished in terms of what should be professionally manufactured and what can be created satisfactorily in house. This report illustrates the basic requirements for a successful system and recommends a process for implementation.

TYPOGRAPHY

Because of its readability, Helvetica Medium is the preferred typeface for interior signs in the Smathers Libraries. Upper and lower case letters are shown below.

See paper copy for image.

Arrows will be used on directory signs to indicate path of travel. Arrows on all signs, like letters, should in most cases be white on a dark background.

See paper copy for image.

The different sizes of type shown below can be used depending upon the size os the sign.
(Note that in this version image size is relative; see the paper copy for a more accurate representation.)

36 point = 3/8"

48 point = 1/2"

See paper copy for image. 60 point = 5/8"

72 point = 3/4"

84 point = 13/16"

96 point = 1"

The number of words, lines and symbols all contribute to the overall size and shape of signs. The distance form which the sign must be viewed and understood must also be considered.

See paper copy for image.

A standardized size, layout and color should be used for individual signs. Colors may vary from building to building but should be consistent within individual buildings. In most cases, signs will have white letters on a dark background. Marston Science Library, for example, already has a gray-tone color palatte in its interior spaces. Black or dark gray signs with white letters would be appropriate for this building.

See paper copy for image.

AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT
SIGN REQUIREMENTS.

The American Disabilities Act (ADA) went into effect in January 1992. Signage in new construction must fully comply with all ADA accessibility requirements. Compliance in existing buildings falls under two categories:

No facilities alterations planned
Owners/tenants are required to remove barriers, structural in nature, where removal is readily achievable without due difficulty or unreasonable expense. The following should be addressed in order of priority.
1. Access to the facility from sidewalk, parking lots and into the entrance of the facility.
2. Communication barries (i.e., Signage)
3. Restroom facilities
4. Access to goods, services, privileges, etc.
Facilities with planned alterations
In addition to the above requirements, owners/tenants must meet the following criteria.
1. If any existing element or space is altered, the altered element or space must meet new construction requirements.
2. If alterations to the elements in a space when considered together amount to an alteration of space, the entire space must meet new construction requirements.
3. If alteration affects or could affect the usability of or access to an area containing a primary function, the path of travel from the entrance of a facility to the altered area and the restrooms, drinking fountains, and telephones serving the altered area must be made accessible unless the cost to do so exceeds 20% of total alteration cost.

Exceptions to the requirements are allowed where it is not structurally possible to meet all of the accessibility requirements.

Specific ADA Sign Requirements

Some facility signage is emempt from ADA regulations

EXEMPT

Building Directories
Menus
Temporary Signs
Room Functions

ADA has specific and stringent requirements for non-exempt signage. There are two main categories of non-exempt signage, each with separate sets of requirements

Informational and directional signage to functional spaces (e.g., information desk, conference room, administration, departmental offices).
Signs designating permanent rooms and spaces (e.g., restrooms, elevators, stairwells) and communication devices for the hearing impaired, areas of rescue assistance, etc.

Specifications for informational signs and directional signs to functional spaces

Upper and lower case type
Character height sized to viewing distance. 3" height minimum for susspended or projected signs.
Character proportion between 3:5 and 1:1
Character stroke width to height between 1:5 and 1:10
Suspended or projectedt signs should provide 80" of clearance below the sign
Finish should be eggshell or matte. Between 11 and 19 degrees measured within a 60 degree glossimeter.
Contrast should be light text on a dark background or dark text on a light background. Recommended contrast is 70%

Specifications for signs designating permanent rooms and spaces

Some of these signs must contain 3 elements: a pictorial, tactile text and Braille. There are only four required PICTORIALS:

International symbol of accessibility
Volume control telephone
TDD (Text Telephone)
Assistive listening device

See paper copy for image.

Pictorials on bathrooms are recommended but not required. Pictorials are used to indicate wheelchair accessibility for parking spaces, passenger loading zones, entrances, toilet facilities, and the location of TDD, volume control telephones and assistive listening devices. Where ALL entrances and restrooms are accessible or where ALL telephones have communication devices for the deaf or hearing impaired, the pictorial is NOT required. Signs required to have a pictorial are also mandated to have the following:

PICTORIALS

Pictorials be located within a 6" minimum vertical field
More than one pictorial can be used within the field
Text and Braille shall be located below the pictorial

TEXT

UPPER CASE letters raised 1/32" minimum text height
Character height between 5/8" and 2"
Character proportion width to height between 3:5 and 1:1
Character stroke width between 1:5 and 1:10

BRAILLE

Grade 2
Dot diameter .059"
Interdot spacing .090"
Horizontal separation between cells .241"
Vertical separation between cells .395"

There is no specification on how or where text and Braille should be located with respect to each other. Consistency of placement of these two elements, however, should be maintained throughout the sign system.

MOUNTING LOCATION

Wall adjacent to latch side of door or nearest adjacent space (not on door)
60" above floor to centerline of the sign
No more than 30 degrees from perpendicular to path of approach to the sign
Clear approach within 3" of the sign (not within swing of door; no protruding objects, etc.)
Signs cannot protrude more than 4" from wall mount
Displays and written information which is free standing must be visible to a seated person. Horizontal displays such as maps or books must be located 44" or less from the floor