If At First You Don't Succeed
Many months ago, when we were planning signage with Paul Bellard of Spectrum Sign & Display Ltd (St Helens), the conversation turned to display equipment. We bemoaned the fact that we had not come across a display stand that was compact, stylish, lightweight and - most important of all! - not too expensive. Of course, we were familiar with the various commercial designs on the market, and the display stands that colleagues in the North West had bought. However, nothing currently available seemed to fit our particular requirements.
Paul started to draft a few sketches, asked lots of questions and said that, as Spectrum works in acrylics, it should be possible to design something to suit. As a 'trial-run' he promised a foamboard prototype: Mk.1 duly arrived. Literally and metaphorically we pulled it apart. Undeterred, Paul made further sketches, asked more questions and went away. Some weeks later, Mk.2 arrived. It was lightweight, the clear acrylic top slotted neatly into the fibreboard base, there were display shelves and a top panel for a poster. We put it to the test at Formby Library. Plus-points? It looked good, borrowers were attracted to it and staff found it an asset for 'instant' display. Downside? The shelf construction could not sustain the weight of books - and the staff bumped into the stand. (Why the staff and not the borrowers had problems, we don't know!) However, the stand was 'clearly' not suitable. So, back to the workshop it went.
Eventually, Paul presented us with Mk.3. This features a brushed acrylic effect, for greater visibility, and the shelf design is now much sturdier. After several weeks' further 'trials' at Formby Library (and at the Southport Flower Show) we declared ourselves satisfied with the stand. We have now bought them for all our branches. At Bootle Library, re-opened after a fire, the stands have been customised with 'Bernie the Phoenix', a vinyl graphic also supplied by Spectrum.
This has been an interesting exercise. We have had to think hard about our requirements and about our users. Anecdotal evidence from staff and borrowers indicates that the stands serve a useful purpose - they fit into small spaces, they attract attention (therefore loans) and are accessible for people with mobility limitations.
Although the stands are not perfect, we are well pleased with our project.
Jenny Stanistreet
