Good Example of Effective Signage
January 11th, 2011I saw this sign in Porter Square Books, and really liked it:
It is simple and to the point, while also welcoming and courteous - which I think is far more effective than harsh or impersonal. Patrons in my library are extremely casual about leaving stuff lying around (i.e., leaving a laptop on a table while they run across the street for lunch), and employing signs like this would remind people that although the library is relatively safe, it is still an open public building.
Just for the fun of it, here are some less-friendly (but sometimes funny) examples for caveat patronus signs:
Tags: libraries, Library, not responsible, porter square books, public, Service, sign, signage, signs
January 11th, 2011 at 12:38 pm
Perhaps I’ve been married to a lawyer for too long, but I doubt the nice sign at the top would do much good in a court room.
The 7th one cracked me up… Man, not even a deity is responsible for your car!
January 11th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
@Chris: I wondered about that too, but then wasn’t sure if someone entering a building automatically made the building owner responsible for that person’s stuff. This sign just sort of says, “don’t be a fool, fool” – but in a nice way.
January 11th, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I kind of like “not responsible if seagulls eat your funnel cake.”
January 13th, 2011 at 5:48 pm
The same day I read your post one of our patrons left her purse in the hallway. The thief took $60 but was kind enough to leave her wallet and cell phone.
January 13th, 2011 at 6:48 pm
Nice enough sign, but the comma is misplaced.
January 18th, 2011 at 9:02 pm
What James said. I really like the tone of this sign, but it should have been: “…at home, but please…” instead. (Can’t help it, I’m a proofreader, aka professional nit-picker.)