This guide combines the knowledge gathered during my long career coordinating the Carleton
University Library exhibits program and my recent sabbatical research on exhibits and events in
academic libraries. Between 1983, when I was hired as Exhibits Librarian at Carleton University
Library, and 2002, when the Library had little space available for exhibits and I became Head of
Access Services, I was responsible for running the Library’s exhibits program. After the latest
renovation to MacOdrum Library was completed in the Fall of 2013 and included dedicated
space for exhibits, I was once again asked to coordinate and produce exhibits for the Library.
During my 2014/2015 sabbatical I investigated the current state of exhibits and events in
academic libraries through literature and Web searches and site visits to a number of universities.
The end result is this guide, which I hope is both practical and inspirational.