Daniel's+Pics

The issues I saw at my library were mainly signage issues.

As you can see, these two books have the same call number but the book on top has an easy book label while the book below has a beginner reader label. This makes it very difficult for the patron to find a specific title in that area.

This is the view from the street as cars roll by. They see a big banner showing that a bookstore is inside but there is no library banner to be found. Many motorist not familiar with the area will simply drive by. However, a large, colorful banner stating that the building is indeed a public library will help gather more patrons.

This is our paperback section. It is actually quite decent but no one really knows about it because of its location on the quiet, far side of the library. It's lack of signage doesn't help either.

This is the foreign language section. It's also in the far corner of the library and many patrons always assume that we don't have one because of its location and its lack of signage. That sign you see above is the only way patrons know that we have such a section.

Those are our displays, which are nicely themed but put in a poor location. This is the view from the reference desk. Many patrons don't know where to ask for questions because the reference desk is blocked by these displays.

This is the library's reference materials. There is absolutely no signs showing this and patrons in this area usually are going on the computers, which is right across. Perhaps either a better location, signage, or both could help the situation.

I'm not sure if this applies to the assignment but the number one question asked is, "where are the restrooms?" Judging by the awful location, small size, and lackluster look, I can see why.

This is our sorting room where books that just got checked in are located. Patrons sometimes give up because they see the status, "check sorting room." We have two little signs showing this but the library needs larger ones, especially on the main floor area. That will help these newly checked-in books circulate much better.

The Buena Park Library District has an amazing music collection. However, they are not categorized alphabetically but only by loose genres. Looking for music feels like homework and many times patrons give up when they can't find the CD of their choice.

Many teens prefer books shelved "bookstore style" within the young adult area where books are shelved by genre. Shelving in alphabetical order may turn-off some teens.