Library or Supermarket?

How to use simple visual merchandising techniques

to promote literacy in  your library and classroom

(NB: A two-part workshop - you must sign up for both Session 1 & Session 2)

Visual merchandising is the art of implementing effective design ideas to increase store traffic and sales volume in a retail environment. In essence, the purpose of library displays is the same, to highlight and promote resources, services, collections, current events and student work. By producing more professional display materials, you are showing your customers, the library users, that you are prepared to compete for their attention in a world where they are constantly exposed to high levels of sophisticated visual material.

In a school library, visual material will consist of signage, both permanent and temporary, permanent displays, (where the showcard remains, but the items on display are updated regularly),  and temporary displays highlighting or promoting current events. Displays are on view to all parents, staff and students, and may appeal to specific groups, eg. a year 12 unit of study, or the whole school, eg. Allergy Awareness Week.

No subjects are off limits, however controversial subject matter may be reviewed by the department head to make sure the display meets the educational purpose stated and benefits the school community. This is particularly important when the library space is shared by junior and senior students. The importance of teamwork in the production of displays is vital. The librarian needs to articulate clearly the purpose and the audience of the display, and the technician producing it needs to seek feedback from other staff members, students and parents. For effective library display, it is essential that the department head sees it as important in the promotion of literacy, and therefore allows sufficient time for production. The techniques are not difficult, but effective realization of concepts takes time and consultation.

During this workshop, some simple design techniques will be discussed and tested: the use of colour, typography, scale, and the sourcing and positioning of images both photographic and illustrative. We will prove that most display items can be produced simply using a few easily available tools. A  PC running Publisher, In design, or Photoshop; access to a colour printer; some light board; glue; a sharp knife; good ruler; and a steady hand are all you need.

Participants will take away a display item of their own making, which can form part of a display in their classroom or library.

Audience:  All

Workshop materials:

Presenter:

Kim Olsson

Australian International School

Library Technician

kolsson@iprimus.com.au

Bio – 

Bachelor of Arts (Graphic Design) Swinburne Institute of Technology 1983.

Employed in Marketing and Advertising 1983-1993.

Victorian Arts Centre, Graphic Design Studio 1993-1996.

Freelance – Kim Olsson Creative Design 1992-2004.

Certificate III Library Studies Swinburne TAFE 2002.

Employed Monash University Matheson Library, Reserve 2003.

Employed AISS Library 2005 – present.

 Brief powerpoint presentation will require data projector.