Over the years there have been many efforts to develop
better descriptive signage within libraries.
In the old days this was so simple to achieve,
as there were only a few departments within each library:
Fiction,
Non Fiction,
Reference,
&
Children’s library.
Things change. . . .
Now what really confuses a lot of library uses is that there
would seem to be less and less of a distinction between the
reference and lending areas within most modern library
building.
This is especially true as we often find reference periodicals
with the lending areas,
while in many libraries there are very often no distinct music
or AV ( Audio Vision ) departments.
Is it any wonder that people are both unable to distinguish
between what are the Fiction or Nonfiction areas within most
libraries.*1
This also says nothing about the problems which they might
experience in trying to work out just what are the quiet study
areas.
So here is a quick and useful guide as to just how library areas
might be marketed*2
within the libraries of the future.
– The Reality Zone.
Instead of Nonfiction.
– Pure Fiction.
For all works of fiction.
– The Twilight Zone.
This being a playful reference to any teenage area.
– Kiddies Corner.
or where the children are to be found.
&
– Shhhhooooooooosh !!!!!!!!!!
The quiet zone or study area.
Now what other ideas do you have upon what might be added to
this list?
………….
*1
I have also noted that many people are unable to distinguish
between what is Fiction and Nonfiction.
Thus they will refer to Crime Fiction and True Crime.
*2
‘Marketed’ being both a descriptive and marketing term within
this context.