NEWBERRY LIBRARY

The Newberry’s new branding included a new palette, typefaces, and a focus on the lowercase ‘n’ as a graphic element.

For my first assignment, designing a template system for the gallery exhibits, I really leaned into using parts of the ‘n’ to create bold and striking shapes. The palette shifts as warranted by the exhibit. That project wrapped and these templates are in use.

My second assignment was then to tackle the signage and wayfinding for the entire building. I did some recon, walking the Library, and found nearly everything had its own look.

My tool kit already had the new brand identity’s typefaces and color palette, so the next step to creating a cohesive and intentional signage system was to narrow down the signage materials themselves. I wanted to using only that which was found in the architectural elements of the building, to make the signage feel like it was part of the Library and not slapped on as an afterthought. I chose to focus on glass [clear acrylic as an alternative] and marble, with wood or sculpted metal in my back pocket.

There are standing posters throughout the Library. I created templates using a variation on the gallery templates, and suggested having them float on acrylic to echo the glass everywhere.

I wanted something much more elegant and organic for the wayfinding, and having the type float atop the marble felt both beautiful and cohesive. For continued safety and practicality, I went with vinyl on clear acrylic rather than glass.

For the shelving, I used a simple frame with acrylic, and floated the printed piece. I created templates so the Library staff could revise and print replacements themselves.

Every room – whether public or for staff only – has glass doors, and the signage ranged widely in typeface and legibility. I created a standard that used the frosted/sparkle stardust vinyl from the front entrance donor panel (shown as an inset above). I created graphic shapes based on the logo ‘n’ as a backdrop, adhered second surface to the door glass, and had the names on the first surface.

Since most of the floors look quite similar, I strongly suggested we add floor numbers on the glass in the main stairwell. This was a big hit. The numbers are a frosted/sparkle stardust vinyl, which already existed in the front entrance’s donor panels.

The Reading Rooms’ tables have alphabetical labeling as well as informational table tents. Neither had connection in look to anything else in the Library or each other. On the above right is a prototype of a marble-like Corian with vinyl lettering I suggested. I created a table tent template — based on the gallery templates I designed — for the staff to be able to print the Reading Room rules.

Similar to the stairwell floors, the elevator foyers had no indication of floor number, nor any list of what was on each floor. However, the foyers all had this inset set-back seen on the above left. I created wallpapers that fit in those shallow alcoves for each floor, marking floor numbers quite boldly and clearly. The list of every floors’ rooms and spaces is in vinyl adhered first surface to clear acrylic, mounted to the wallpaper. I gave the wallpaper a little visual texture by creating a fine print pattern, shown in the inset above. Better for hiding fingerprints until it can be wiped down by staff.

One of the issues that continued to come up while I was working on this project is that when visitors arrive in the front entrance, they do not know which way to go. Another was that I had concerns about people walking directly into that entrance glass, and sure enough when I was there one day, I saw it happen. I suggested they add this wayfinding on the glass sidelights to help with both of those issues.

The other issues are that once one walks into the main lobby from that front entrance, only sometimes is there a volunteer at the desk on the right, and either way, most visitors wondering about events, exhibits, membership etc go to the security desk on the left, which is for staff and approved patrons to be let in. Further challenge is this lobby space is often used for events, so the Library did not want permanent signage directing day visitors. My suggestion: to create clear wayfinding that easily clips on and off the railing that blocks the staircase, and stands directly across from the front entrance. And then add “Information” to the front of the volunteer desk. All clear now!