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Graphics & Digital Signage in the Library

Policies regarding outreach, graphics, digital signage, web marketing, branding in the library.

Specifications and Image Optimization

Images will load faster and more smoothly if they are optimized. There are two fundamental ways to optimize images for the Library website and displays:

Image Size

Make sure the image size matches the size requirements of the viewing portal before submitting an image for approval and upload. Although it may be necessary to work on a large canvas during image creation/editing, once the image is ready for use it should be scaled down to the required size:

  • 1200x400 for Library home page banners
  • 3840x2160 for Library display monitors
  • 2160x3840 for Library kiosk
  • 1120x1991 and 720x1280 for BSC display monitors

Image Optimization (Optimizing for the Web)

Although images displayed on the Library monitors are technically not on the web, it is good practice to optimize all images viewed on the Library's portals as it ensures the images will load without lag.

Once the image has been scaled to the appropriate size, use the image editing software you are using to create an image for the web. If this is not possible, there are a couple of online resources that can optimize an image through a browser:

Image optimization may require sacrificing some image quality, so remember to use the file size limits as guides for optimization.

The following file formats are supported:

Images:

.PNG

Video clips:

Flash, Windows Media (ASF), Windows Media (AVI), Windows Media (MPEG), Windows Media (MPG), Windows Media (WMV) QuickTime (MOV, MP4, M4V);

Type Dimensions PPI/DPI File Name Indicator File Size
Library Website, Homepage Banner 1200x400 72-150 banner

20-50kb

**Make sure to accommodate the existing template (See: https://www.cpp.edu/~library/index.shtml). Please do not use a white background for banners.
Knowledge Center Kiosk 2160x3840 72-150 kiosk 500kb max
Digital Signage Ads 3840x2160 72 signage 500kb max
BSC Signage

1120x1991, 720x1280 

(must generate both sizes)

 72

bsc_720x1280

and

bsc_1120x1991		 500kb max

Copyright Issues

To use photos, fonts and videos from others, please obtain their permission in advance, otherwise you may be violating copyright.

  • Investigate copyright ownership information. In many cases such as on Flickr or Wikimedia, these rights should be easy to find and identify.
  • If you aren’t able to document the copyright information on an item, you may want to consider using something else or creating your own images/media. If you find an item but cannot locate its copyright information, do not assume that you have the right to use the item.
  • If necessary, obtain information from the copyright owner.
  • Using Creative Commons to find appropriate media may be a good starting point.

From Stanford University Copyright and Fair Use:

 “Assume It's Protected: As a general rule, it is wise to operate under the assumption that all works are protected by either copyright or trademark law unless conclusive information indicates otherwise. A work is not in the public domain simply because it has been posted on the Internet (a popular fallacy) or if it lacks a copyright notice (another myth).”

Other Content Suggestions

Images:

  • Keep content concise and brief; are you answering the questions who, what, where, when and how?

  • Limit the content of each slide to advertise only one event or activity.
  • Limit the amount of text on each slide and keep in mind that this will be read in passing and from afar.
  • Include graphics if possible, as these can attract passersby to read and view the sign.

Video clips:

  • Video clips are preferable to slides and images; additionally, there are more LCD screens that are capable of handling video content than PowerPoint content.

  • Try to shoot, edit and export video content in 16:9 (widescreen) format. If you haven't filmed in 16:9, it may be possible to still edit your content in 4:3, but you may lose some of the peripherals captured in the shots.
  • Keep in mind that the user may see the sign in the middle of the action and will need some guidance to understand the context, i.e. a self-check-out tutorial has a box in the corner for “Self Check Out” so the user knows what the video is presenting.
  • Keep the content concise and brief for the monitors on the first floor (i.e. under 2 minutes playing time). Monitors on the second floor in the waiting area may include content which plays for longer periods of time.
  • Use transitions appropriately, i.e. big flashy transitions may not be representative of the content. When in doubt either do not use a transition, or use cross dissolve.
  • Remember that the video has no audio, so incorporate verbiage where helpful for clarifying the sense and purpose of the message.