TIPS From Your Colleagues.

LIBRARIES; SIGNS & symbols; LIBRARY shelving; DECORATIVE arts; INTERIOR decoration; FURNITURE

This article presents several useful tips meant for the betterment of library services. To create high visibility signage that blends in with library furnishings, one should type the sign in a large, clear font and then copy it onto a transparency. Signs should measure smaller than 3 inches high. One should use four-inch clear library tape to attach the trimmed sign wherever it is needed. This method can be used to indicate Dewey ranges on the ends of shelves and the contents of cabinets. Every year or so when the numbers may change, the signs easily peel off and any excess gumminess can be quickly removed with rubber cement thinner. This method allows the color of the furniture to show through and is far quicker, with more options, than a label maker. Each season or holiday one should decorate the library with appropriate items to create a festive atmosphere. Part of the decorations can include small, sturdy plastic cups with holiday imprints. Placed by each computer workstation, these are very effective and decorative paper and pencil holders that add nicely to the seasonal themes. They are easy to store and to replace if necessary.