This training was offered to Smathers Libaries staff as an introduction to the process for conceptualizing and executing exhibits using library collections materials. Topics include the differences between exhibits and displays, the qualities of a successful exhibit, audience engagement, effective label copy, and evaluation processes.

1. Planning & Mounting
Library Exhibits
Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler
Jessica Belcoure

2. Traditionally libraries “exist to collect objects
of informational importance, [while] the
museum is called upon to show objects of
significant cultural value.”
Glenn Willumson
Making Meaning: Displaced Materiality in the Library and Art Museum

3. Resources available
Exhibits website http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu
• Policy http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/ExhibitsPolicy.pdf
• Resources for curators http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/resources.html
– Timeline http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/timeline.pdf
– Exhibit Proposal form http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/ExhibitProposal.pdf
– Tips for labels http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/labels.pdf
– Template for ID labels http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/IDlabels.pdf
– Outgoing loan form
http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/OUTGOING_LOAN_AGREEMENT.pdf

4. Policy:
http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/ExhibitsPolicy.pdf
• Goal of exhibition program is to highlight the collections
• Use originals whenever possible from Smathers
Libraries collections, borrow as appropriate to
support/augment
– Loans should not be the central feature, unless it is a traveling
exhibit
• Co-curating and collaboration within the Libraries’
various collections and with campus departments, the
community, and other institutions is encouraged
Implemented 2012
Smathers Libraries Exhibits Policy

5. Smathers Libraries Exhibits Policy
Policy:
http://exhibits.uflib.ufl.edu/docs/ExhibitsPolicy.pdf
• The Libraries do not develop or host exhibits with the sole
purpose of promoting agendas of organizations outside the
Libraries, or to advocate for specific political, philosophical, or
religious viewpoints.
• Do not display unsolicited exhibits
• Physical exhibitions created by the Libraries shall have
complementary online component(s) as appropriate. All online
material created for, or in conjunction with exhibitions shall be
archived and publicly available in UFDC
Implemented 2012

6. An exhibit is a story with interpretation,
context, and scholarly content
What story do you want to tell?
What is an Exhibit?

7. What is an Exhibit?
Exhibits are not objective,
no matter how hard we try
Exhibits are experiences.
What visitors do & feel
is as important as what they learn.

8. What is a Display?
• Lacks interpretation and substance
• Highlights items without explanations or context
• Serves a more decorative/aesthetic function
• Displays can be appropriate for some locations/content

9. Indicators of exhibit excellence from NAME
National Association for Museum Exhibition
• An aspect of the exhibition is innovative
• Offers a new perspective, new insight, or new information on a topic
• Synthesizes and presents knowledge and/or collection materials in a
provocative way
• Includes innovative uses of media, materials, and other design
elements
• Is particularly beautiful, exceptionally capable of engendering a
personal, emotional response, and/or profoundly memorable in a
constructive way
• Evokes responses from viewers that are evidence of a transforming
experience. It was haunting. The exhibition was an absolute eye-
opener. I'll never see [that] in the same way again. I was filled with
excitement. It knocked my socks off. It sent shivers down my spine. I
finally got it!
What makes a good exhibit?

10. What makes a good exhibit?
• Everyone leaving the exhibit should be able to
easily explain what it was about
• Make the subject come to life
• Conceptual simplicity
• Emphasis on the connection among things
– Makes the story make sense

11. Don’t expect visitors to spend more
than 10-20 minutes in exhibit

12. Timing and Scheduling
12-24 months minimum for gallery spaces
Custom timelines for larger exhibits
Think beyond commemorative months and
milestone anniversaries

13. Exhibit Ideas/Themes
• Start with the collection, then develop idea
– Otherwise the collection may not support your idea
• Concrete ideas that don’t require much
background information or explanation
• Exhibit proposals

14. Audience
• Know your audience
– Who are they? What are they like? Why are they
coming?
• What do you want them to do?
• Unintended audiences

15. Labels
• Introductory (Curator Statement)
– Introduces the big idea
– Sets up the organization and tone of the exhibit
– 50 - 200 words
• ID (tombstone)
– Not interpretive

16. Labels
• Caption
– Are not just a visual description of an item
– Interpret individual items
– Sometimes the only ones visitors read
– 20 – 100 words, approximately 50 is ideal
• Group
– Are general
– Explain/interpret a grouping of items
– Introduce sub-themes
– 20 – 150 words

17. Interpretive Labels
• Conversational, less “lecture” tone
• Narrative: beginning, middle & end
• Just enough details to tell the story
• Avoid technical, specialized terms, or anything that requires
lengthy explanation
• Not for your academic peers
• Understandable without diluting content

18. Online Exhibits
• Same principles as physical exhibits
• Possibility to show/link to additional content
– Can provide too much information and lose the viewer
• Broader audience
• Even less time expected from viewer

19. • Pre and Post Assessment
– (Formative and Summative)
• Can be formal or informal
– No formal procedures in place yet
– Have colleague or friend – neither who are familiar with subject –
read labels, give feedback in general
Assessment

20. Thank You
Questions?
Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler l.s.wheeler@ufl.edu
Jessica Belcoure jbelcoure@ufl.edu
http://ufdc.ufl.edu/AA00014162