Principles for Representing Libraries, Units, and Service Points in User Wayfinding Tools
DRAFT 10-15-12
Principles for representing libraries, units and service points in user wayfinding tools
Background:
The University Library maintains a number of tools to help users locate physical and virtual services. These include: building directory signs; the Find a Library webpage; the Hours webpage and its printable version; and various links from departmental pages, LibGuides, etc.
Principles:
- Wayfinding tools should reflect the language of the users, not the internal organization of the Library. Example: Don’t list “Central Access Services.” Instead, list “Main Stacks,” “Billing Office,” etc.
- Building directories should list only actual physical locations. For example, when an administrative unit has multiple locations, the locations that are meaningful for users should be listed. Example: Don’t list “Reference, Research & Scholarly Services.” Instead, list “Information Desk,” “Reference Reading Room,” “Scholarly Commons,” and so forth.
- Building directories should list only locations that typical users may need to visit. Example: Don’t list “Interlibrary Loan” office, since it doesn’t provide public service.
- Web directories, such as the Find a Library page, should list both physical and virtual libraries. Example: Library & Information Science Virtual Library.
- Named libraries should be listed first by both their subject name and their proper name, with the subject first. Example: Engineering – Grainger; ACES – Funk; Architecture & Art – Ricker.
- The names of units that are shelving locations should be consistent with locations displayed in the online catalog.
Responsibility:
The AUL for User Services and the Assistant Dean for Facilities are responsible for implementing these guidelines.
