They are fun.
They have smudges.
They look sad when they are empty.
The display cases that I am going to be in charge of sit in the entry to the library and across from the circulation desk.
They have glass shelves and lighting inside. A little beat up, but still nice.
In the past year, I came to the conclusion that I am a crafty academic librarian, not an academic public librarian so this stuff is way up my alley.
The librarian before me sent out emails to regulars to keep it filled with something and I will continue to do this...but how do I get others excited to display in the library?
I took some photos (and I a no photographer) of the current display and sent them to marketing to put it on the Instragram.
Some point before the end of the semester I am going to reach out to the automotive department and see if we could collaborate and put something together like the history of the car engine or something.
We have sports teams on campus, maybe there is something there?
Here is a look at my first attempt at the display case. It is a 3D art class that made manhole covers out of cardboard.
The teacher wrote up a little blurb about the assignment that I put in the display as well.
I think the display cases will spill out into the library.
I LOVE making mini-displays of parts of the collection. I believe (I have some hard data on this) that it kicks up the circulation of section that is featured in the display.
Often when new books are no longer new and are put into the stacks they are forgotten, unless an teacher talks about the book or provides it in a bibliography. I feel that connecting with faculty and asking about specific assignments and catering mini-displays does a few things. Brings focus to a part of the collection, gives the faculty a concise point of search for their students and most importantly brings students into the library.
When I give one shot library presentations, I do my best to present library as space. What I mean by this is the library has more than one purpose. It is your (students) space to read, study, rest, research, use the wi-fi, study rooms, ask for help, sit in a comfy chair, and collaboration with your peers.
It sounds cheesy and librarians roll their eyes, because we all know it.
Last week I did a presentation of the library to High School seniors. In all I saw about 50 students. When I asked the question who uses the library 6 raised their hand. 6!
So going the extra mile and selling the library at every library presentation is something I don't mind and do not find it cumbersome. Because I think it helps.
At the art school I used to work at, I was part of orientation. I would give my spiel about the what the library is, what is available to you (the student) for free, and who is there to assist you. I would also tell them that I would see them again in many of their classes, so to expect a little of the same song and dance.
Luckily, I like to perform.
Here are some photos from the current display case.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwIA_bah9MY/
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