Navigating a library should be as enjoyable as reading a great book. We are excited to introduce our new color-coding signage system designed to help our library patrons find what they need on the shelves.
You Said, We Did: A Smarter Way to Navigate the Library
This improvement was initiated after Subject Librarian Sana Saleem attended a design student presentation in March 2024, where a student suggested we consider a “colour coding system” to make it easier to find print materials on the library shelves, relevant to their subject area
Students said :
“ It’s hard to know sometimes which section of the library starts and ends when looking for print books”
We did:
We heard our student voice —and we initiated a project to improve access to our print collection for all library users (in particular visual spatial learners) by introducing subject area colour coding in accordance with the Unitec’s brand wayfinding palette that match the colours of Schools and show how our collection is closely aligned with Unitec’s teaching and research.
Our new colour-coded signage system is now live across the library.
Some examples of how our students have responded to this initiative:
- “Easier to find the colour for my subject area”
- “I love the design you're going with. It is simple, straight to the point and the colour is well thought out, making it well uniformed with the unitec colours”.
Library project team
This project was led by Sana Saleem, project members Anna Wheeler and Stephen Brebner worked together to successfully implement the project by improving signage to replace the current bay end signage on all three levels at Te Puna Library. The project was delivered in two parts : Level 2 and 3 at the end of 2024 and Level 1 earlier this year.
The project team partnered with the Copy Centre to ensure the signage was professionally designed in accordance with Unitec’s brand.
How it works
Here’s an example of the new colour-coding for one section of the library:
Level 1 Te Puna
ECE - one colour that represents the Teaching Area (Early Childhood Learning) that aligns with majority of the subject headings listed on the bay end sign
Bridgepoint
and NZ/Pacific - two colours that represent the Teaching Areas/Schools that align with the subject headings listred on the bay end sign.
Why it matters
- Relevance to student's learning: The alignment of the Library's physical collection to our teaching areas is highlighted
- Branded wayfinding: Easier to find the book collections aligned the Schools
- Accessibility: Prominent colours and headings support users who struggle with reading
- Efficiency: our library users can locate resources quickly.
Post implementation feedback after project completion in September 2025 showed that our initiative has enhanced user experience and had a positive impact on Unitec Library space, print collections and our diverse learner's confidence in wayfinding.
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