LSU Libraries has earned not one, but two notable awards for their recent strategic update to the main library’s navigational signage.  

The Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL) first recognized this effort earlier this year with a Red Stick Award. These awards honor outstanding local communicators and highlight the best work by public relations professionals in Baton Rouge. Additionally, the Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF) will present LSU Libraries with a 2024 Lantern Award at their annual conference in October. SPRF connects public relations professionals from Alabama, north Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi, celebrating excellence in the field.

The project’s success lies in the communications team's careful research and design process. Through interviews and analysis, they identified common pain points among patrons. Then, drawing on wayfinding design principles, they created a plan that adhered to best practices, resulting in a series of visually distinctive signs placed strategically throughout the library. They incorporated LSU Libraries’ Tree of Knowledge illustration (which depicts an LSU oak tree emerging from the pages of a book) into the design; introduced color coding to match the color of the floors on each level; and added LSU's iconic purple and gold brand colors. Furthermore, the inclusive new signs feature internationally recognized symbols to support non-native English speakers and the more than 2,000 international students on campus. 

“This recognition reflects the deep dedication and creativity LSU Libraries brings to serving the campus community every single day,” said Christine Wendling, Director of Communications at LSU Libraries. "We aim to enhance the library experience for all our patrons, in all ways—big or small, and so, we were honored to receive these awards.”