Exhibit Tips

Planning and installing an exhibit takes a great deal of time and thought. The objects and documents used in an exhibit are frequently valuable or unique. For these reasons it is important to provide an appropriate environment in the display area. Temperature, relative humidity, lighting, and the support materials used in the display itself, are all factors that must be considered. Too often, aesthetic concerns outweigh environmental ones. What follows is a short list of suggestions that will help make your exhibit a safer one for the materials on display. It is assumed that most library-related displays will involve books, photographs, or other paper documents.

· Keep the display time short. Four weeks is long enough for a book to be open in one place. If the exhibit period must be longer, than turn the pages to a new place. Other reasons for keeping the exhibit time brief will be discussed below.

· Display cases are closed environments. There is seldom any air circulation inside. High temperatures and high relative humidity increase the natural rate of deterioration and encourage mold growth. Desiccants, highly absorbent substances that reduce moisture in the air, may be called for. If it is possible to control the temperature and relative humidity, it should be kept constant. Fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels cause accelerated damage. Constant 70 degrees F. and 50% humidity are good goals to achieve. Lighting is almost always a problem in display cases. And, usually because there is too much of it. Most paper-based materials break down under strong lighting, especially from the ultra-violet components. Again, keep the exhibit time short to minimize exposure. Shields against UV rays are available in tubes to cover fluorescent lights and in sheets for display case walls. Low UV lights are also available. If there is plenty of natural lighting, use blinds or drapes to protect the exhibit.

· The materials used to mount and display the exhibit items should be chemically inert. Some plastics and cardboards will react with the very objects they are meant to protect. Look for boards and papers that are acid-free. Be careful what kind of adhesives are used; some of them are labeled non-toxic, but they still cause damage. Stay away from using any vinyl plastics. Look for polyester (Mylar), polyethylene, or polypropylene. There is no way to tell a "good" board from a "bad" board or a "good" plastic from a "bad" plastic solely by its appearance. Ask when you purchase the materials.

· Support books in cradles or stands. (Custom cradles can easily be made from acid-free board.) Use Mylar (polyester) strips to hold pages open instead of paper clips or heavy weights.


SD 2/12/03