Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Signs, signs, everywhere signs

There is a slot (the "book drop") at the circulation desk for patrons to return checked-out materials, materials they were simply browsing, or headphones. A lot of times, patrons will completely ignore the book drop and heave their used materials on the countertop. This often causes confusion among the staff, especially during shift changes when employees don't know if the items have already been discharged. It usually leads to books being shelved or headphones returning to their drawer when they haven't been checked in. To combat this, the circulation staff made a sign to display on the counter, directly above the book drop, to clear any confusion for patrons about where their used items should go. Patrons look directly at the sign and decide not to heed its advice, reaching around it to place their books on the counter.

Instances like these make me think that no matter where a sign is placed, how big it is, or how brightly decorated it may be, it will be ignored. I know visiting the campus for the first time is confusing and I'm more than happy to relieve someone's stress and point them in the right direction, but this post is mainly about the repeat offenders or completely helpless.

- Circ. Ass.

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