Description
Book SynopsisExhibits 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.
Trade ReviewWhat a generous and helpful book! Reminding their readers that libraries are free, public, and well-used, the authors point out that they are perfect places for exhibits about books and anything else that will excite and educate people. Not stopping there, the writers also suggest that everyone can learn to make wonderful displays and then proceed to offer guidance to exhibit development that will be useful in all settings. I love the book’s vivid and approachable writing—‘Underlining text is clunky and sort of ‘screamy’’—and direct messages—‘Variety is energizing.’ But best, to me, is its can-do attitude—Yes, you, make an exhibit!—and presumption that exhibit makers should be concerned with their audiences. Exhibits must engage, the authors assert. And their book is a good guide toward that goal.
-- Therese Quinn, director, Museum and Exhibition Studies, University of Illinois at Chicago
The kind of practical advice found here will be useful for any librarian hoping to create and curate exhibits or improve current ones. Advice by librarians, for librarians, is the best kind; I first became aware of Carol Ng-He’s interest and expertise in library exhibits when she contributed a successful article to the ILA Reporter journal. These Illinois librarians have thought of everything exhibits so readers don’t have to, from why and how, to promotion and programming around exhibits, to assessment.
-- Diane Foote, executive director, Illinois Library Association
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Chapter 1. Show It! Why Libraries Create Exhibits & Displays
Chapter 2. Plan It! Setting the Stage for Success
Chapter 3. Tell It! Know Your Audience & Find Your Story
Chapter 4. Write It! Text & Labels
Chapter 5. Build It! Physical Exhibits & Displays
Chapter 6. Bring It In! Loan, Traveling, & Pop-up Exhibits
Chapter 7. Click It! Digital Exhibits
Chapter 8. Engage with It! Programming & Interactives
Chapter 9. Market It! Publicity & Promotion
Chapter 10. Assess It! Audience Evaluation
