Signage represents more than directions or policies; it is informational, promotional, and sets the tone of the environment. To be effective, signage must be consistent, concise, and free of jargon and punitive language. An efficient assessment of signage should include a complete inventory of existing signage, including an analysis of the types of signs, its location, language, and its design. This article outlines the steps involved in a comprehensive signage audit, which along with a literature review, provides the foundation for creating a signage policy, best practices guidelines, and a branding strategy for future signage.

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If you would like to write for this, or any other Emerald publication, then please use our Emerald for Authors service information about how to choose which publication to write for and submission guidelines are available for all. Please visit www.emeraldinsight.com/authors for more information. About Emerald www.emeraldinsight.comEmerald is a global publisher linking research and practice to the benefit of society. The company manages a portfolio of more than 290 journals and over 2,350 books and book series volumes, as well as providing an extensive range of online products and additional customer resources and services.Emerald is both COUNTER 4 and TRANSFER compliant. The organization is a partner of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and also works with Portico and the LOCKSS initiative for digital archive preservation. AbstractPurpose -The intent of this paper is to outline a case study that addressed signage issues in a circulating book collection at a four-year college library. A signage redesign project is detailed, with special attention paid to the challenges of a complex and often confusing layout. Design/methodology/approach -A consistent and comprehensive stack signage system involving the implementation of a color-coded scheme, along with a variety of new informational and wayfinding signs, was designed. The project also supported the creation of a corresponding digital map linked to library catalog. Findings -The redesigned stack signage system contributed to a dramatic increase in the number of books checked out from the circulating collection. A pattern of positive responses observed during reference services and library instruction sessions also supports the favorable outcome of the project.Research limitations/implications -The study would benefit from a survey or related data that could quantify the impact of the redesign on patron wayfinding in the circulating stacks. Practical implications -The unique circular nature of the library discussed presented additional obstacles; however, the measures taken are applicable to libraries of various configurations. The detailed signage strategy could also serve as a framework to develop best practice guidelines for stack signage. Originality/value -While there is significant literature on library signage, stack signage specific to directing patrons towards locating books on the shelves has not been widely addressed.