Presenting a poster at UNYOC is a great way to showcase your innovation, project, website upgrade, user experience, or any other library endeavor. You can use the opportunity to test a new approach or new way of doing something, or to demonstrate a library product or invention. It can also be a great way to test out an idea before submitting it to a national conference. Share your experience with us!

A poster does not need to be complicated or printed out on high-gloss paper. I’ve done three of these, and in all three cases I used either a stiff poster board or a tri-fold display board, either of which can be purchased at Staples. Having said that, a professionally printed poster is the best if you have the means to do so.

Test your poster on an easel to make sure it will stay open and upright; bring your own portable easel if you can. Hotels do not allow posters to be attached to the walls in any manner.

Here are some tips on creating a poster for display:

• Keep the layout simple and the text easy to read from a short distance. Most people stand about 3 to 5 feet away when they view a poster.

• Do check and make sure any graphics or images used are not copyrighted; an easy way to avoid copyright is to make your own graphic or use your own photo images.

• Go with a simple font like Ariel or MS Sans Serif.

• If adding information in your own handwriting, be sure to use a good sharpie or poster marker.

• Would a handout be nice for the viewers? If so, include any relevant information and/or references along with poster details.

• Is there additional information you’d like to share but can’t fit it on the poster? Consider creating a companion web page and insert a QR code on the poster.

Things to Avoid:

• Blurry or pixelated images

• Layout too busy or font too small

• Notes or words added using thin marker or ball point pen

• Poster too large for easel and falls off

• Multiple handouts

(By the way, it is best to remain at your poster for the entire poster session.)