[Publib] Finding Exhibits for Display Cases

[Marie]

The public libraries I've belonged to opened the display case up to members 
to display their collections--right now my library has a collection of 
Garfield memorabilia.

I've seen a collection of buttons/pins w/ sayings; bears; lost & found 
items!

-----Original Message-----
From: "Conrad Rader" <conrad at toastedmelon.com>
To: "'Pamela Curchin'" <curcarp33 at yahoo.com>, <publib at webjunction.org>
Cc: 
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 14:15:55 -0400
Subject: RE: [Publib] Finding Exhibits for Display Cases

> In my experience, "objects d'arte" usually are in the eye of the
> beholder.
> Some of the coolest displays I have seen have been from collections
> that I
> never realized people were interested in.
> 
> I would recommend that you not use the phrase "object d'arte" in your
> promotional material but rather come up with a set of guidelines that
> reflect what is expected to be displayed.  Try using "original works",
> "hand
> crafted", "folk art", "unique items" or similar terms.  For a short
> term
> fix, try and locate a local artist directly and offer the display
> space.  Do
> the hard sell rather than waiting for them to come to you.  Offer to
> highlight other programming around the display.
> 
> If your new case has different size requirements, be sure to let people
> know
> what can be accommodated.  How long will the display be up for?
> 
> If the "objects d'arte" is the only guideline you got from the
> director, you
> need to get a clarification.  Why the change in focus?  Is there a
> general
> feelings that no 'tacky' displays are allowed to bring down the overall
> newness?  If people who have displayed with you before are not
> responding,
> then you have a PR problem on top of the lack of other respondents.
> 
> Conrad Rader
> Adult Services Librarian
> Niles District Library
> Niles, MI 49120
>  
> www.nileslibrary.com
> contactndl at gmail.com
> 269-683-8545 x 3313
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org]
> On Behalf Of Pamela Curchin
> Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 10:27 AM
> To: publib at webjunction.org
> Subject: [Publib] Finding Exhibits for Display Cases
> 
> Hi All!
> 
> Within the last two years my library has been transformed by an 8.5
> million
> dollar expansion and renovation.  We had two basic cases which have
> always
> been my responsibility.  With the renovation we have one really huge
> case
> which is not in the best location, but is built into the building so it
> can't be moved.  My director wants only "objects d'arte"
> instead of the types of community displays, personal
> talents/collections
> which we always featured. 
> Extensive publicity has been sent to local media, our newsletter, a
> blog on
> our website, etc., but not one person has responded to our request for
> exhibitors.  I feel that "normal patrons" have been frightened off by
> the
> phrase "object d'arte", but am not able to change what is expected by
> my
> director.  Any thougts or ideas to attract local talents?
> 
> Thanks!!
> 
>              Pam Curchin
>              Middletown Twp. P.L.  
> 
> 
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