Document Type

Presentation

Conference Name

Midwest Archives Conference 2026

Publication Date

5-16-2026

Keywords

exhibits, community building, archives, outreach

Abstract

Session abstract:
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 the Ohio State, Iowa State, Illinois State, and Bowling Green State universities 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.

Comments

This presentation was delivered at the Midwest Archives Conference (MAC) 2026 Annual Conference Find It Here, May 14 – 16, 2026, Columbus, OH.

The presentation was part of the panel Connecting People Through Exhibit Work: Four Case Studies of Physical and Digital Exhibits in Academic Libraries.

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