If your library has decided to create a new logo, here are some basic things to consider during the design process.
Why your library’s logo might be terrible: understanding what a logo does
In my job as a front end designer/developer, I work with a lot of library logos. I also work with a lot of library staff that don’t understand the importance of what they do, or how a good one is created. When faced with a sub-par logo, there’s often not much I can do other than work with whatever I’ve been given. Even libraries with awful logos cannot undertake a redesign lightly, or particular staff people may be emotionally invested in their creation and don’t want something new…even if it’s better.
You are not a patron. So act like it.
As a staff person, your view (mental model) of the library’s website is incredibly different from that of a patron. It’s so very different, that you can’t even pretend to be a patron user. It’s vital that this is acknowledged.
Does anybody actually work here?
Let’s start this discussion with a question:
Is library staff important?
Your homepage isn’t nearly as important as you think it is
Yes, the website’s homepage is important. But it’s not nearly as mission-critical as many staff think it is. Why?
Because you’re not getting much work done anyway (2020 edition)
Let’s face it: 2020 has been a serious dumpster fire and the more distractions, the better. In that vein, here are some of my favorites from this year. Happy holidays.