Understanding Library Wayfinding and Signage Through a Literature Review

Wayfinding is essential for navigating complex environments, including libraries. Signage plays a critical role in guiding users, reducing confusion, and improving accessibility, yet research on its effectiveness in library settings remains limited compared to other public spaces. The objectives are to examine the effectiveness of signage types in library wayfinding, their impact on user experience and accessibility, key design principles for effective wayfinding, and practical strategies for improving signage usability. It also identifies research gaps and future directions for enhancing signage in libraries. Systematic approach is used, applying a structured search of academic databases, rigorous selection of peer-reviewed studies, and thematic analysis to evaluate signage effectiveness, wayfinding efficiency, and future research directions. Signage enhances wayfinding efficiency in libraries by guiding users, reducing cognitive overload, and improving accessibility through clear, consistent, and strategically placed designs. Integrating interdisciplinary insights from cognitive science, architecture, and user experience research can help libraries develop user-centred, inclusive signage systems that optimize navigation, accessibility, and overall user experience