Is Your Library Signage Helping—or Hurting—Patron Experience?

February 24, 2026

Is Your Library Signage Helping—or Hurting—Patron Experience?

Posted by

Dr. Curtis Rogers

consulting, continuing education, marketing, signage, staff development, staff education, Training

Every day, library users rely on signage to navigate spaces, understand policies, and feel welcomed. But too often, signs are created quickly, added reactively, or designed without fully considering how patrons actually experience them.

That’s why I’m excited to present an upcoming live webinar for Library Works:

Library Signage: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Thursday, March 5, 2026 | 2:00–3:00 PM (EST)
$49 per person, $25 when you register 4 or more people
Click here to learn more and register

This engaging one-hour session takes a critical—and practical—look at library signage from the patron’s point of view. Together, we’ll examine a wide range of real-world library signs and discuss what works, what doesn’t, and why.

Why Signage Matters More Than You Think

Library signage is much more than directional arrows and policy reminders. Every sign communicates something about your library’s values, priorities, and customer service philosophy. When signage is unclear, inconsistent, or overly negative, it can frustrate patrons and place unnecessary strain on staff.

In this session, we’ll explore how thoughtful, well-designed signage can:

Improve customer service
Reduce repetitive staff questions
Create a more welcoming environment
Strengthen your library’s brand identity

What You’ll Learn

By the end of the webinar, participants will be able to:

Critically evaluate library signage by viewing it through the eyes of patrons
Identify common signage mistakes that negatively impact user experience
Conduct a signage audit to assess clarity, consistency, and effectiveness
Understand how signage functions as an extension of library branding and why consistent messaging matters
Recognize signage’s role in addressing patron needs and enhancing overall service
Apply best practices for creating clear, friendly, and effective signs
Use online tools and resources to improve signage in their own libraries

Who Should Attend?

This webinar is ideal for:

Public, academic, and special library staff
Library managers and supervisors
Anyone involved in creating, reviewing, or approving library signage

Whether you’re dealing with signage overload or starting fresh, you’ll walk away with concrete ideas you can implement immediately.

Join Me on March 5

If you’ve ever looked around your library and wondered whether your signage is truly helping patrons—or quietly working against you—this session is for you.

I hope you’ll join me on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 2:00–3:00 PM EST for Library Signage: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, presented through Library Works. Learn more and register today!

Let’s turn library signage into a powerful tool for clarity, consistency, and great customer service.

About the author

Dr. Curtis Rogers is a library consultant who has worked in the library and information science field for over 35 years. He has worked at the Union (SC) Carnegie Library, and the Charleston County (SC) Public Library, and retired as the Communications Director of the South Carolina State Library. He has also taught courses at the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Geography, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of South Carolina. In 2001, he completed the University of the Azores Summer Study Course in Azorean Portuguese Culture and Language and in 2002 completed the Certified Public Manager credential. In 2008, he was President of the SC Library Association. Rogers developed a national library survey on library use of social media for public relations and presented this survey’s results at the 2009 German Library Association Conference and at the State and University Library of Hamburg. He has served as secretary of the board of the Library Marketing and Communications Conference and as secretary of the SC Academy of Authors, as well as chair of the USC School of Library and Information Annual Literacy Leaders (ALL) Awards Committee. He has also served on the Friends of South Carolina Libraries (FOSCL) board and is a member of the ALA CORE Library Consultants group. He is a recipient of the 2015 F. William Summers Outstanding Alumni Award from the USC School of Library and Information Science.