Comments on: library signs are librarian metadata

By: dave

dave — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:51:12 +0000

Librarians overthink everything. Our library likes to put various colored dots on children’s books, denoting everything from historical fiction to specific holidays. Then we print and post signs explaining what all the colors represent.

By: ramona madalena

ramona madalena — Sun, 17 May 2009 18:41:40 +0000

Went to a lovely library in Cerritos, CA. Neon sign over children’s desk stated simply: help!

By: indicommons» Blog Archive » Carnival of the Commons - 1984, lightcycles and more

Fri, 15 May 2009 13:03:52 +0000

[...] Library signs are metadata: an article from Aaron at the D.C. Public Library. [...]

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:16:08 +0000

Katie-

Super good point. All that stuff is informational clutter and prevents the important messages from getting noticed.

By: Katie Klossner

Katie Klossner — Thu, 14 May 2009 20:15:11 +0000

And don’t forget all the flyers, bookmarks and takeaways informing patrons about every possible thing that may, or may not, be important to them. Libraries need to spend less time making promotional items for every situation, especially the ‘exception’ situation that may arise.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:32:44 +0000

I guess you could see it at the central Seattle Public Library.

By: steev

steev — Thu, 14 May 2009 16:25:07 +0000

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!! so what’s the “new way” that he has imagined? tell me! tell me now!

By: Jaime

Jaime — Thu, 14 May 2009 12:46:38 +0000

Our signs say, “We have a problem with smoking in the library.” (not true) What they don’t say is, “The books are over here, behind this wall and up the stairs you can’t see right now.”

By: david lee king

david lee king — Wed, 13 May 2009 22:24:28 +0000

Don’t forget those pesky digital signs, too – ie., “we’ll respond within 2 business days.” Or, let’s play “hide the online library card sign-up form!”