Exhibits in Libraries: A Practical Guide - Softcover

Brown, Mary E.; Power, Rebecca

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0786423528 ISBN 13: 9780786423521

Publisher: McFarland, 2005

Synopsis

Library exhibits are more than entertainment for patrons. They can inspire and educate, stimulate an interest that can be explored in a book, or attract visitors who otherwise wouldn't stop by. Displays are also an opportunity for a library to put its creative foot forward or help patrons navigate the facility itself. This comprehensive "how-to" includes a everything a librarian or staff member needs to know to put on an exhibit, from hatching ideas to evaluating the end result. Illustrations and photographs show practical methods of planning, labeling and displaying.

An introduction discusses the history and rationale of exhibits, and what librarians need to know to be responsible for them. Most of the book's pages, however, are dedicated to the hands-on process of creating an exhibit. The first part is a ten-step process for beginners. The second part includes everything a librarian or staff member might want to consider when creating an exhibit: the beginning idea (theme, goals, location); the development and design (layout, labeling and related concerns); the fabrication (materials and installation); and the exhibit from installation to removal (maintenance, care of volunteers, evaluation). Related issues include safety, administration, funding, contracts, public relations and other practical topics. Another section looks at special projects such as traveling displays and hands-on exhibits. Finally, the authors provide syllabi for continued study in a workshop or college course, along with a self-study guide.

About this title

About the Authors

Mary E. Brown is a professor in the Department of Information and Library Science at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut.

Rebecca Power, is a reference librarian for Miller Nichols Library at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Reviews

Considering an exhibit for your library? Brown and Power have written a book that will explain what embodies an exhibit, types of exhibits, skills that a librarian needs to put an exhibit together, and the importance of exhibits. The authors say that "exhibitions can inspire curiosity, wonder, and delight, and initiate learning about the library's collection" and may draw visitors who may not otherwise visit your library. Most of the book takes the reader through a basic 10-step process for beginners and another section detailing the comprehensive exhibit process. Throughout the book are pictures of library exhibit examples, equipment used, and written examples describing different project ideas. The final chapter provides three course syllabi to educate others on skills needed to create exhibitions. Chapter notes and a bibliography are included in the back of this book and can be used for further reading. There is also a detailed index. This book is appropriate for all libraries thinking about exhibitions. Jennifer Dawson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: McFarland
• Publication date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0786423528
• ISBN 13: 9780786423521
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 258