Making the Most of Display Systems in Your School
By: Kathy Webster
Display systems offer a wonderful opportunity for schools to maintain an ongoing communication system with the students, parents, and staff. They can be utilized for current postings, special activities, and commemorative events. Not only do display systems communicate accomplishments, they provide continued use over several years for a worthwhile investment of funds.
When purchasing a display, consider the product specifications and the manufacturer. For the school environment, take the construction into account. Look for steel and wood items for longer service and sturdy construction that will tolerate regular usage by your students. For the early learning tots, there are heightened safety concerns, including rounded corners, heavy-duty locking casters, and no pinch points, in addition to the new federal regulations.
Does the display mechanism ship fully assembled or do you need to make arrangements for maintenance staff assistance? Take into account the shipping method and specify your receiving capabilities upfront. Do you have a well-equipped receiving dock? If not, depending upon the equipment involved, you may need added services, such as inside delivery, lift gate, or perhaps a call to schedule a delivery appointment.
Even when purchasing through a school supply company, consider the reputation of the manufacturer. How long have they been in business? Can you check references? Are there neighboring locations with similar displays you can visit or call for their product experience? In the event you have questions regarding assembly, or lose a part, can you call? Safeguard your purchases.
Display systems bring a fun element to your school. They provide a tool for involving students, parents, teachers, and visitors in your school events. While showing work within a classroom is great, what student isn’t proud to see their work posted for viewing by the entire school? Teachers want to show the accomplishments of their students. Displays provide a means for everyone to exhibit their pride and polish self-esteem. And, they also serve as teaching aids.
Swinging panel systems provide a space-efficient method for displaying class photos and historical events. They are ideal for class gifts, whether a complete system or an updated panel from the graduating class. PTO memberships often find this a wise investment of their funds, providing the school with an ongoing tool. Usually available in wall-mounted or floor systems, you can select from a variety of panel sizes and display surfaces.
Renowned for space efficiency, the page-by-page presentation of the dual-sized panels encourages browsing by all who pass by. Updating materials is simple, and there is no ongoing maintenance.
Additional highlights can be added with optional signage or category clips on the panels. Personalize the display with a sign across the top, acknowledging “Gift of Class of 2009” to show appreciation.
Smaller swinging panels systems can be used in administrative areas for quickly posting updates to activities. The arrangement encourages browsing, with reminders of upcoming activities, requirements, recognition of special accomplishments, and any other information you wish to share. Teachers and staff have hectic schedules; while they heard the announcement and/or received the e-mail, perhaps it wasn’t recorded or was simply overlooked. These systems are a terrific tool for putting your information on display and readily available to everyone. Consider your space options when selecting counter or floor models.
Some of the most common displays are those with added flexibility, like the ever-popular display and exhibit panels. Each panel provides dual display surfaces with the ability to connect in a variety of configurations. The great feature is that you are not locked into any one configuration. You can reconnect at any time in another arrangement or use as individual panels with support feet. Snap-lock buttons hold the feet securely to the single panel. Consider the display surface options to maximize your usage.
For more flexibility, add literature pockets to these panels. Maintain all the same features of the display panels with the ability to position acrylic literature pockets to the entire surface or selected areas. Repeat on the opposite side or create an entirely different exhibit. A poster of the event accompanied by supporting brochures in a row of pockets provides an attractive way of distributing information and handouts. This is a fantastic tool for college night, camping activities, and more.
Add a touch of fun with furniture-style book modules in attention-grabbing colors. Heavy-duty, locking casters make the displays portable. Do you need signage to identify book selections or featured items or events? Does the display support signage options?
Take a step back and think beyond a specific area or category for your overall effect. Can you use the same or similar display in other areas? Maybe changing color allows the same tool to be utilized in a different area.
Poster stands provide an economical way to welcome and direct visitors throughout your facility. Steel frames provide sturdy construction with rectangular base for stability. Take advantage of both sides for messaging. Insert your personal signage or poster in the frame or utilize a frame with display surface options for directly attaching your materials.
Displays enhance your environment. Take advantage of all the opportunities to involve, educate, store, and share your information.
Kathy Webster is the director of marketing for The Miller Group - Multiplex Division, www.MultiplexDisplays.com.
