Blume Library: Library Signage

Purpose  

The purpose of library signage is to inform students, faculty, staff, and visitors about the services, resources, events, and activities of the Louis J. Blume Library and the entities housed within the library building and university. Signage should support a welcoming, accessible, and user-centered environment while providing clear, consistent communication throughout the facility.  

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Scope

This policy applies to all print and digital signage displayed within the Blume Library, including permanent, temporary, informational, promotional, directional, and event-related materials. Flyers, brochures, handouts, and other informational materials placed on tables, counters, service desks, display fixtures, or other horizontal surfaces are considered signage and are subject to this policy.  

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Authority and Approval  

All signage, including digital signage, falls under the purview of the Blume Library. Library departments and entities housed within the library are encouraged to contribute content supporting University and Library services, resources, programs, and events.  

All signage must be approved by the Director of Scholarly Communications & Outreach, Executive Director, or designated appointee prior to display. Unauthorized, inappropriate, or noncompliant signage may be removed at any time. Permanent signage is managed centrally by library administration, facilities, communications staff, or their designees.  

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Standards

Library signage should:  

• Use clear, concise, and user-friendly language.  

• Maintain a welcoming and positive tone.  

• Follow library branding, templates, design standards, and marketing policies whenever applicable. Materials designed by the Office of Communications are exempt from library template requirements.  

• Meet applicable accessibility standards, including ADA guidelines, through the use of readable fonts, adequate font sizes, accessible formatting, and high-contrast color combinations.  

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Digital Signage

Digital signage serves as a collaborative communication tool connecting library departments and entities within the building. Content may include library resources and services, programs, workshops, meetings, activities, special events, hours of operation, announcements, updates, weather, date and time displays, library social media content, and images of library materials. Content must be current, accurate, and consistent across all library floors.  

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Non-Library Signage

Signage from St. Mary’s University departments, offices, and student organizations must comply with university policies and applicable Registered Student Organization (RSO) guidelines.  

Approved flyers and informational materials related to university activities may be displayed only in designated areas, such as information boards and approved display spaces, primarily within the Learning Commons on the 1^st Floor, and on designated pillars on the 2^nd Floor. Materials may not be posted on walls, doors, windows, furniture, or other library surfaces unless specifically authorized.  

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Display and Removal

Approved materials may be displayed only in designated locations and may remain posted for up to 30 days after the associated event. Library staff reserves the right to remove any signage that is unauthorized, outdated, improperly placed, inconsistent with this policy, or otherwise inappropriate for library spaces.  

For questions regarding signage approvals or posting locations, contact Blumecirc@stmarytx.edu.  

Updated August 2026