A few months back, there were a fair number of biblioblogospherical posts about signage in libraries, most of it showing negative examples, and much of it around signs regarding cell phone use in the library.

At my library, we have a “no cell phones” policy, but it isn’t all that effective (you are shocked, I can tell). On the one hand, cell phones are so pervasive, and our library (especially on the first floor near the circulation and reference desks) isn’t exactly a silent sanctuary, so we often don’t bother to enforce the policy. And the signs, they do nothing!

On the other hand, students do complain to us about fellow students talking loudly on the phone. So I think we do owe them a reasonable enforcement of the policy.

One of my colleagues brought back a souvenir from her most recent visit to the Regis University library in Denver. It’s a card, which reads on one side “getting this card handed to you is better than being chased from the library by an angry mob…” and on the other “Please use your cell phone in the library’s lobby or a closed study room. Thank you for your assistance in promoting a research-friendly atmosphere.”

The idea, of course, is that library staff can hand people a card rather than tugging on their sleeve and saying “excuse me, but you’ll have to take your phone outside.” Some of my colleagues and I think it is an intriguing idea. It seems less confrontational than interrupting the person on the phone, though I suppose it’s all in the execution–we probably would not want to take our cue from the red-card-happy World Cup referees, holding them high over the offenders’ heads. I also like the fact that the more “serious” side of the card gives people options, instead of just saying “please turn it off,” which just doesn’t seem realistic anymore.

To find out more about these cards, I emailed Regis reference librarian, Martin Garnar. I wondered how people reacted when they were “carded.” Martin wrote back, “Most recipients are good sports — we get an occasional chuckle, but most are apologetic and don’t take time to read both sides. In addition, we have a ‘No Cell Phone’ sign in the front lobby and also mention our policy at new student orientations.”

Martin also sent me the text of the other two card designs: “call me crazy, call me a dreamer, just don’t call me from the library!” and “peace on earth / goodwill to all / now it’s time / to end your call.” I also like the fine print at the bottom of the card: “#1 – collect all 3.”

“For the sake of historical accuracy,” Martin says, “we borrowed the idea of cards from Douglas County Libraries, but I’m pretty sure theirs were straightforward. I think we came up with the humor concept. In fact, I don’t think humor existed at all before we created these cards, so please be sure to credit us with the origins of humor. I can’t give any more details at this time, as we have a patent application in process regarding this matter.” Wow! Now that is innovation! Though I think I have some prior art around here somewhere…

But seriously folks, I’m about 80% convinced that this is a good idea for my library. Is anyone else trying something like this?