Exhibits and Displays

Exhibits and displays are booming and in demand at all types of libraries. From simple displays of books to full-scale museum-quality exhibitions, library exhibits can highlight collections that surprise visitors, tell stories, and engage audiences in innovative ways. Often, exhibits feature more than books—showcasing art, photographs, archival materials, multimedia elements, as well as hands-on activities. Stepping outside traditional walls, digital exhibits reach audiences beyond the circulation desk and pave another way for libraries to share information, promote resources, and even lead change in the community.

Despite the growing interest, most library and information science (LIS) programs do not include exhibit development courses. It is not uncommon for librarians learn exhibit production on the job or through resources in the museum sector. Wearing many hats, librarians absorb exhibit work as part of community outreach initiatives, or take on exhibit duties as a general professional interest in the emerging field. Exhibits & Displays is a practical how-to guide that helps librarians unleash their library’s potential to engage and wow visitors.

The guide explains how to kick-start and grow an exhibit program through expert advice, insights from professional literature, and winning case studies that cover exhibition development from conceptual planning through de-installation packing and evaluation.

Exhibits & Display: A Practical Guide for Librarians covers:

· Pre-planning

· Curation and content development

· Project management

· Graphic design and writing for readability

· Preservation and collection care

· Legal considerations and loan registration

· Installation/de-installation and maintenance tips

· Hands-on interactives and digital exhibits

· Educational programming

· Marketing

· Audience evaluation

· Supplemental examples and case studies

Librarians in academic, public, school, and special libraries will benefit from Exhibits & Displays: A Practical Guide for Librarians. The book is also an excellent textbook for LIS courses covering exhibition development and outreach.