In EXHIBITS IN ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS LIBRARIES, longtime special collections exhibits curator Jessica Lacher-Feldman advises archivists at all levels on developing enlightening and entertaining exhibits. She describes each step of the exhibit process, providing straightforward tips on:

Developing innovative exhibit ideas
Formulating exhibit policies and procedures for your institution
Crafting well-written and visually interesting exhibit labels
Branding and designing exhibits
Promoting exhibits through conventional media, social media, and give-away items

Also included are case studies that detail exhibits at a variety of institutions, sample documents and forms, a literature review, and a guide to exhibit supplies.

Exhibit development doesn't have to be complicated or overwhelming. With this comprehensive resource, you'll learn how to develop exhibits that help you to better connect with your audience and advocate for your repository. "Proceed and be bold" with exhibit development, and gratifying, inspiring results will transpire.

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1
Exhibit Philosophy and Theory
Why Exhibit?

Chapter 2
From Soup to Nuts
The Exhibit Cycle as a Planning and Practice Model

Chapter 3
Developing Innovative Exhibit Ideas

Chapter 4
Tools for Effective Exhibit Planning

Chapter 5
Developing Exhibit Policies, Procedures,and Best Practices

Chapter 6
Labels, Design, and Layout

Chapter 7
From the Real to the Virtual
Practical Ideas and Action for Simple Online
Exhibits and Exhibit Web Presence

Chapter 8
Promotion, Marketing, and Products

Chapter 9
Beyond the Exhibit
Adding Dimension through Public Programs

Chapter 10
Outreach and Education

Chapter 11
What Makes a “Good” Exhibit?
Exhibit Development in an Institutional Context

Chapter 12
Evaluating Exhibits
Assessment Tools and Measuring Success

Chapter 13
Stonewall: Fortieth Anniversary, 1969–2009
Case Study One: An Exhibit at the Archives Center,
National Museum of American History at the
Smithsonian | By Franklin A. Robinson, Jr.

Chapter 14
Let the Records Show: Discovering the Valley’s Black Community in Slavery and Freedom
Case Study Two: An Exhibit at the Columbus Museum,
Columbus, Georgia | By Mike Bunn

Chapter 15
Three Mile Island, Three Decades Later
Case Study Three: The People and Perspectives
of Middletown, Pennsylvania | By Heidi N. Abbey

Chapter 16
Drawing Conclusions
Archiving the Exhibit and What Comes Next

Appendix A
Exhibitions in Archives and Manuscript Repositories
A Review of the Literature | By Fernanda Perrone
and Flora Boros

Appendix B
Sample Documents and Forms

Appendix C
The Exhibit Curator’s Tool Chest

Appendix D
Book Supports

Appendix E
Exhibit Labels and Case Layout

Appendix F
Resource Guide for Exhibit Supplies

Index