Mayflower: Ode to New Beginnings — Beautiful Connector: Collection Showcase Exhibits as Teaching Tools and Community Builders

Abstract

Libraries’ quest to strengthen connections with their constituencies often finds expression in new services and repurposed user spaces. Some literature portrays libraries as focusing away from collections toward new trends in library portfolios, but showcasing collections can prove very effective in bringing the library and user communities closer together. This article recounts two recent library collection showcase exhibits as successful examples of bolstering stakeholder connections: The first collections exhibit showcased books on Chinese language, literature, culture, art and architecture, history, and medicine received through the Window of Shanghai program. The second collections exhibit showcased scholarly books, U.S. government publications, citizen engagement and civic education kits, and illustrated research strategies in honor of Constitution Day.