University Libraries' Sign policy
3/31/2005
Purpose of this policy
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that signs in the Libraries are informative, consistent with University requirements, attractive, and do not damage facilities. Signs in the libraries provide information for visitors and direct them to locations.General Guidelines
Signs should be clear and concise. Library signs should support the goals of the University Libraries. Signs supporting a political, organizational or commercial position are not permitted.Responsibility for Signs
Official (permanent) exterior and interior building directional signage is requested and ordered by the Libraries Facilities Operations and Management (FOM) Department. Official signs should first be reviewed and approved by the relevant program director.University policy guides the sign installation, placement, and style, unless FOM has made special arrangements and approval has been secured from the University Sign Shop and the Campus Signage Committee.
Interior Library signage
- All signs must be related to the libraries and the functions within a specific library facility.
- Unofficial (temporary) signs posted in the building are, by definition, of a temporary nature and require the approval of Facilities Manager.
- All signs must be designed to comply with the Libraries' visual identity system. For information and guidelines, see http://staff.lib.umn.edu/communications/identity.phtml .
- The Facilities Manager will coordinate completed signage review with the Communications Director
- Refer all requests for postings and handouts from University departments and the general public to the Facilities Manager.
- Postings by non-library departments may be pl aced on an approved general bulletin board if available.
- All signs must be placed in appropriate sign holders.
- Unauthorized signs will be removed by the Facilities Manger.
Checklist for Obtaining a Sign
- Consult with the appropriate Facilities Manager with sign concept and possible locations.
- Prepare wording and content and send to the Facilities Manager.
- Request cost estimate from the Facilities Manager.
- Obtain budget approval from appropriate sources as directed by your Facilities Manager.
- Forward approval, budget/CUFS number, content approval to the Facilities Manager for final review.
- The Facilities Manager is responsible for working with library units and the appropriate resource in the creation and installation of the sign.
Timeline
- Formal signs, created by the Sign Shop, require a minimum of 8 weeks for review, approval and installation.
- Informal signs, created by library staff, should be submitted to the Facilities Manager for approval with a minimum of a two-week lead-time.
- Emergency situations (i.e., signs that need to be posted with less lead time) will be handled by the Facilities Manager on a case-by-case basis.
ADA Standards and Accommodations
- Review with Facilities Manager
- Review ADA Standards from the Sign Shop web site. http://signs.umn.edu/Standard.htm
Things to Remember
- Paint and varnish come off with tape. Do not tape signs on walls, doors, windows, etc.
- Tape also leaves a sticky residue on surfaces, which attracts dirt.
- Ask a colleague to review wording to ensure it is clear and unambiguous, informative, and not potentially offensive.