The histories of our institutions, spaces, collections, and communities come to life through the stories we tell with exhibits. As a tried-and-true way to promote collections, facilitate collection development, and engage users, the best exhibits go far beyond strategic goals and informational value. Exhibits have the power to connect people.
As technology changes and our audiences evolve, exhibit strategies and impacts evolve, too. This session explores four recent case studies of exhibits, both physical and digital, pop-up and longer term, that support a range of outreach, deep collaboration, and collection development opportunities.
Projects from Ohio State, Iowa State, Illinois State, and Bowling Green State illustrate multiple ways that exhibits can engage. Capitalizing on significant university milestones and special collections, these case studies cover diverse approaches to exhibit formats, multi-year and short-term partnerships, and building sustainable practices. The projects include working across library departments to create digital exhibits; collaborations with faculty, alumni, and university departments on curation and promotion; development and enhancement of related digital and physical collection building; instruction, outreach, and extending the life of exhibits; and aspects of community building around exhibit work that center viewers and provide ample space for them to share their perspectives.
Specifically, panelists will discuss the development of their exhibits; tools and platforms used; collaboration, promotion, and engagement strategies that worked (or didn’t); the impact on using and generating collections; and takeaways for you to consider at your institution.
Speakers Jaycie Vos, Iowa State University (Session Chair) Jolie Braun, The Ohio State University Rebecca Fitzsimmons, Illinois State University Jennifer Long Morehart, Bowling Green State University
