Signs should be made in modular sizes rather than cut to fit the size of each message.  This adds to the uniform look of the signs and makes the library look less cluttered.  It is also easier to replace signs and lettering, making it possible to reuse sign boards over again and again.

Overhead signs can be made of masonite, SINTRA, or possibly mat board.

Most overhead identifications signs can fit on a signboard that is 9" high and 36" wide.  These are for one line of 3" type.  Practice word economy but avoid abbreviations.  If a signboard is not long enough, scale up to 38", 40" or 72".  Stay with modular sizes.  You can probably accommodate most overhead signs with 9" x 36", 9" x 72", or 15" x 96", but if you have to add 2" so the lettering will fit, it won't be noticed.

Masonite signs are good for temporary overhead signs.  Masonite (pressed hardboard 1/4" thick) is inexpensive and easy to handle.  It must be painted, but that provides an opportunity to experiment with different colors.  Sizes of 15" x 96" might warp over time, but they are fine for temporary signs where you want to try out the message or position of a permanent sign.  Be sure to hang by a hook or wire from the center as well as the ends to help support the weight.  Drill holes 1" from the top edge and 2" to 4" from the outside edge.

Use 15 pound picture hanging wire or S hooks to hang the signs.  Avoid using chains or any hanging hardware that is visible.  Signs should appear to "float".  Attach the signs to hooks screwed into the ceiling or into the hidden aluminum grillwork of suspended acoustical ceilings.  Clip-on hooks that attach to 1" visible aluminum grillwork are available in some building supply stores.  If your visible aluminum grillwork is 3/4", or if you can't find the hooks, they are available from Spindle Plastics (see Fabrication Materials 6.1).

SINTRA or Trovicel is good for any size overhead sign.  Since the material is relatively expensive, it pays to use modular sizes.  You can have a sheet cut up into your modular sizes and reuse the pieces forever because all you do is scrape off the letters and put on new ones.  even though SINTRA won't warp, it's still a good idea to hand a long (96") sign with some center support.

Four-sided signs can be made of Masonic or SINTRA.  Join the four sides using nuts, bolts and lock washers (all size 6), and four pieces of aluminum corner brace cut to the height of the signboards.  Drill holes on each edge of the aluminum pieces, at the top and bottom.  Stagger the spacing of the holes so the bolts and nuts won't bump into each other in the inside corner when you put the pieces together.  Drill holes in the Masonic to match the holes in the aluminum corner brace.  Put the sign together and paint the bolt heads on the outside, if needed, to make them invisible.  Hang the sign with four pieces of wire.  Use a level to make sure all the sides are straight.

Mat board is not recommended for signs with a horizontal dimension longer than 36" because it warps so badly.  However, it is inexpensive material for making  temporary signs, comes in a wide array of colors, and can be hung with fishing line instead of wire.  The fishing line can be tied to small eyelet hooks or ceiling grillwork.
 

Use modular sizes when possible so you can reuse the signboards.  Mat board looks good and is inexpensive, but since you can't remove the letters and replace them, you must remake each sign.  Masonite looks good and is also inexpensive but requires painting and must be touched up when lettering is removed.  SINTRA is affordable, and is recommended for signboards since it is lightweight, easy to handle, and maintenance free.

Lettering suggestions:

• Use ADA guidelines and position signs 60" from center of sign to the floor—even though ADA is not required for all signs.
• Use a uniform font size in room identification signs:  1" for numbers or names of spaces, 1/2" for names of people in offices.
• Use 1 1/2" letters for temporary events signs.

3.3    Call Numbers

Make call number labels for end ranges on a computer using a word processing application.  Use a uniform font and size for all labels.  Select the largest font possible for the length of the number sequence and the 3" x 5", or other size limitation of the metal frame.  Record the font and size that is used so anyone can make identical signs as needed.

You can draw a set of boxes (each 3" x 5") on a page using Microsoft Word, Aldus Pagemaker, or Adobe Illustrator.  Save the page.  You can then re-use  it, centering the call numbers in the boxes as you type.  Remember to print two sets of call numbers, one for each end of the shelf range.  Then all you need to do is cut on the lines of the boxes.
 

Make large end range signs for every 4th or 5th row of book stacks so people can see which direction they need to go to find their books, instead of having to pause to read each call number label.

Use 1/8" thick SINTRA.  Have it cut in 6" x 8" pieces.  Sand the upper and lower corners of one 6" side just enough to remove the sharp edge.  Use 3" high letters for LC or 1 1/2" numbers for Dewey, centered on both sides.  To fasten SINTRA signs to the end range panels, use 6" pieces of  sign holder molding (usually used for upright desktop signs) made from clear plastic, black plastic, wood, or metal.  Insert the 6" x8" piece of SINTRA with the sharp corners in the molding and the rounded edges on the exposed side.  Attach molding to the end range panels with two sided foam adhesive tape.  Center each sign at the top of the end panel.  Clearance will be 84" for a 90" high end range panel.
 

Make a floor plan on each level that people will see as they step off the elevator or stairs so they can find rooms and spaces more easily.

Use Adobe Illustrator or another computer aided design program.  Update on disk.  Print on laser printer.  Enlarge on a photocopier to approximately 24" x 36" (or whatever size fits your wall space), and frame in a picture frame with non-glare glass, or something equivalent.  Copy stores (Kinko's, Alphagraphics) can make a poster sized print from your disk that won't need to be pieced together.
 

A Building Directory is needed at the front entrance to show the names of the departments and service areas and indicate which floor they are on.  You can put the names in alphabetical order and give floor numbers, or group departments under floor headings "First Floor", arranging their names in alphabetical order.

Directories of the departments and services in the library should be available on every floor, no just at the entrance, so people can see where to go next without having to go back to the main entrance.  A Building Directory can be created on a computer using a word processing application and printed on a laser printer.  Copies for each floor can be enlarged on a photocopier and hung in frames with non-glare glass as companion signs to floor plans on each floor.  They can be hung side by sid opposite elevators or stairs, wherever traffic flow is heaviest.
 

Use 1 1/2" letters on a board approximately 4" x 9".  Mat board is find for inside but something weatherproof like SINTRA is needed outside.  Use Braille and tactile letters on permanent signs.  Your campus or city sign shop may be called in for this sign since it is a permanent space and must be ADA compliant.

Use 3/4" lettering/numbers.  Mat board is usually good, but if the department changes hours during summer, semester breaks, etc., try to do the signs on SINTRA so you can peel off the numbers when replacements are needed.  Keep the signs as simple as possible for easy reading.  Don't use "am" or "pm" or ":00" unless needed.  Keep hours lined up one under another.

There are places where you will want to provide instructions or information to specific library users in a place where they will find the information exactly when they need it.  To put instructions or advisory messages at decision points, make clear labels on sticky back sheets that are printed on your laser printer.  Write your message on a word processor (concisely, explicitly, legibly as you would a sign—not a memo).  Save the text.  Produce the number of copies you need.  Make extra labels.  They wear out and sometimes get defaced.  Trim the labels to the size needed and stick on equipment, furniture, walls, etc., at the decision point.

Use pictograms (symbols) with adhesive backing, available at business supply stores or in catalogs.  Affix to entrance at door handle height.  Remove other no eating, drinking, smoking signs inside the library to eliminate confusion and unnecessary signage.

See diagram in Placement section.  Make 1" adhesive backed vinyl letters in contrast color (black or white) for the top of the door frame.  Affix flush (right or left) with door on the handle side.

Make labels easier to read by those who are visually impaired, and lessen the need to stoop over or squat down to see small type.

Replace file cabinet labels, and periodical shelf labels with a larger, bold font, such as Helvetica.  Work on one project at a time.  Use student or volunteer help.  Remove plastic protective coverings if they cause a glare problem.
 

While you are doing temporary signage, anticipate what will be required for ADA.  Put up all the signs you need even though they are not tactile or in Braille.

Determine which destinations require Braille/tactile lettering and which need to have the name of the room in addition to, or instead of, the room number.

Determine which pictograms are required for rest rooms, stairs, elevators, areas of rescue assistance, and assistive listening devices.

Determine where emergency exit signs are needed.  You can make temporary ones uniform by using white 1 1/2 " letters on red mat board until permanent ones are made with Braille/tactile lettering.