Digital Signage in Libraries – what are the benefits?

Due to the increasing popularity of digital signage, it’s popping up in a number of venues, including retail stores, hotel foyers, stadiums, museums to supermarkets. But one surprising location is libraries.

Digital signage in libraries can educate and inform customers whilst blending into the quiet environment.

So, what are the 4 key benefits of digital signage in libraries?

1. Way Finding
Libraries have an abundance of information available. However, the sheer size of the library the prodigious number of books and shelves can seem very intimidating to a newcomer, who might not know where to begin.

Many libraries have funding issues, and may be short staffed preventing quick customer assistance. If staff are pre-occupied helping other customers, digital signage can serve as a way finding device, directing people to the sections and the books they are looking for.

2. Promotions
Libraries act as community centres in all locations; a place where people can sit quietly, read and educate themselves. Public libraries host a variety of events, including book signings, workshops for adults and children, as well as serving a place to study for students.

Libraries could be an excellent venue to distribute information to the community given the right technology. There are a number of ways digital signage could be of use:-

- Advertising an author appearance, displaying details of the event, a picture of the author and a copy of the book in high traffic areas, such as the lobby and the circulation/information desk.

- Book, DVD, Blu-ray and CD availability – if a new item is in stock, display an image of the cover, a brief description and details of where to locate the item within the library.

Previously, libraries have created and generated more traditional forms of advertising, such as flyers to promote future events and new stock. These flyers would be placed on a bulletin board surrounded, hidden and lost by other information. If any of the details were to change, these could not be altered without looking unprofessional. By utilising digital signage, this would eradicate this issue. A strong, eye-catching, dynamic visual with movement and vivid colours can be used to grab the attention of passers-by.

3. New Technology
Digital signage can also be used to promote new technology provided within the library. The introduction of Smartphone’s has brought new technology – mobile apps. The ‘library-on-the-go’ app allows customers to can use their mobile phones to access the library.

Digital signage not only is more eye catching for promotional needs, it is actually less expensive and more efficient than traditional methods, such as flyers, leaflets and posters. This in turn decreases waste.

4. Information
Digital signage can not only be used for advertising purposes, but for informative details too. These could include:-

a. Details of the library’s opening hours and holiday closures

b. ‘Real-time’ information

- Event details – if there is an event in the library, the digital signage can display a message alerting customers when the event is beginning and where it is located.

- Urgent Information, such as an emergency or an intruder alert

Content Management Software to make life easier

Each digital signage structure is provided with a content management system, which allows you to display your messages, adverts and promotions in a standard template. These templates can be designed according to your business’ branding, and have the flexibility to allow staff to interrupt normal content with updates or emergency/urgent messages.

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