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Physical Exhibits, The Essentials

This guide provides resources and basic information to help you create a stellar physical exhibit using one of the many library spaces.

The items listed below are available for use in 6th floor exhibit installations.

Stands, Cradles, and Risers

Folding wire stands support posters, pictures, and books in good condition from the circulating library collection.

Small: qty. 18

Large: qty. 6

Book Mounts, can be arranged in various configurations to create a customized cradle to support fragile books.

Qty: 1 set

Display Risers give height and depth to your exhibit.

Small: qty 6

Medium: qty 5

Large: qty 2

Weights and Straps

Flex Snake Weight, or weighted cords, may be used to gently hold pages open without blocking any text or images.

Qty: 2

Polyethylene Strap is another tool to gently hold book pages open without damaging the book or obscuring text and images.

Props

Props are great ways to create visual interest and add color.

They should:

  • align with the theme of your exhibit or object
  • compliment and enhance the narrative of your exhibit

They should not:

  • distract viewers from the main object on display
  • damage or compromise the original object on display

For inspiration, here are some props that have been used in past exhibits:

  • Ribbon
  • Tissue paper flowers
  • Metal microfilm canisters
  • Unwound tape from an irreparable VHS tape
  • Fabric

Note: Please only provide items that you can retrieve when the exhibit closes. Make sure your name and contact information is with any object that you would like to pick up when the exhibit is over.

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