Here is the chapter abstract:
My essay will address the role of exhibitions in art museum libraries in the United States in supporting the museum’s mission. By examining the target audiences and the spaces where exhibitions are housed in (including physical, digital, and pop-up space), I will talk about how the use of these spaces serve as a conduit for inspiring learning. Some fundamental elements in exhibition development such as the exhibition goals, size, contents, curatorial process, budgeting, funding, exhibition duration, frequency, and assessment will be interrogated. Staffing and professional training on curating and exhibition planning will be an additional point of discussion in the essay. In consideration of how the libraries optimize their community impact, I will look at how the exhibitions serve as a springboard for programming and public outreach initiatives. Other questions my essay will ask are: What are the challenges, limitations, and opportunities art museum libraries are facing now? What resources would the libraries need to overcome these in the future?
Thank you in advance for your consideration to take part in the chapter. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Carol Ng-He
Exhibitions SIG Co-Coordinator, ARLIS/NA
Exhibits Coordinator, Arlington Heights Memorial Library, IL