Submit a Digital Sign for Display at the Library

Digital Signs in the Library

The UC Davis Library has digital signs prominently displayed at both Shields Library (on the main Davis campus) and Blaisdell Medical Library (at UC Davis Health in Sacramento) as a way to share information about:

• Library events, services, resources and space
• Campus news, academics and events

Library digital signs can display both images and video. All content must be related to the campus or to campus activities and events. The library strives to maintain a balance between library and other campus news, events and information.

Sign Usage and Duration

Audience: Library visitors, over 90 percent of whom are students.

Who can post: Only campus units and registered student organizations may post content on library digital signs. Posting announcements is free.

Length of time: In the interest of equitably managing a shared resource and ensuring information remains current, a sign promoting a given event or message may be posted for:

• Up to 4 weeks
  or
• 1 week per month for information of long-term or ongoing interest. If possible, details should be refreshed periodically to maintain currency and relevance.

Technical and Content Creation Guidelines

Please submit your sign at least two weeks before your requested posting date. Include dates for both posting and removal in your request.

Technical Specifications

Both images and videos may be submitted via the request form. Files must be submitted in a ready-to-post format, as described below.

• File type: The following file types are supported:
  • Image: JPG, JPEG, PNG, GIF
  • Video: MKV, AVI, MP4, MPG, MPEG
• Dimensions: 1920 pixels (wide) x 1080 pixels (high)
• Aspect ratio: 16:9
• Font size for all text should be font size 18 or larger to ensure legibility
• Color: Use RGB (not CMYK) colors for digital display
• Videos must not exceed 30 seconds unless approved by the library’s director of communications.

The library retains the right to review, approve or deny content submitted for posting. Submitted announcements will be reviewed and considered for approval consistent with relevant University policies and procedures, including the UC Davis Acceptable Use, Posting of Information and Electronic Communications–Allowable Use policies. Requests that do not comply with these guidelines and policies may be denied.

Exceptions to the above policies and practices may be granted at the discretion of library administration, with the approval of the library’s director of communications or the deputy university librarian and chief operating officer.

Best Practices for Creating Content

Slides display for only 10 seconds and people view them in passing. With that in mind:

• Keep content brief and to the point: what, who, when, where, how.
• Put a headline on each slide.
• Minimal text is best and can be paired with interesting, colorful, high-impact graphics.
• Only include one announcement, event or feature per slide.
• Refer to the UC Davis Brand Guide for guidance on design.

Copyright Considerations

Using someone else’s photos, fonts, songs, etc. without permission is a violation of copyright.

• Always look for license or copyright information.
• Lack of information does not imply permission.
• Use only media that has availability and restrictions clearly posted.
• Obtain permissions from the legal owner when necessary.
• Avoid media that uses celebrities, book/movie/game characters, non-UC logos, etc.
• Consider using material with a Creative Commons license.