Use the State Library's Cases for State Agency Displays and Exhibits

The State Library of Massachusetts provides space for displays and exhibits to give state agencies an opportunity to showcase their projects throughout the Commonwealth.

Purpose:

• Promotes the diversity of projects and services of Massachusetts state agencies across the Commonwealth
• Strengthen collaborative opportunities between the library, state agencies and their constituencies

Proposals & Scheduling:

• Exhibit proposals are reviewed by library staff for acceptance in the order in which they are received

• Scheduling is made for the current or next calendar year based on space availability, proposals sooner than this will be evaluated based on space availability
• Applicants must wait a year from the date of their exhibit before submitting a request for another exhibit and will not be granted exhibit space if the agency was granted space in the prior 24 months unless space permits 
• Exhibit spaces may not be used for commercial purposes, solicitation of business, profit or fundraising

Exhibit Installation:

• The creator is responsible for installation and removal of the exhibit in accordance to the established schedule

Publicity:

• Creators are encouraged to include a short description of the exhibit for the library’s blog and social media. Content will be edited to fit library’s format

• The creator is responsible for developing and distribution of promotional materials such as posters, postcards, or supporting materials such as bibliographies, brochures, or an accompanying website

Security:

• The library provides limited security measures, such as locked display cases
• The library is not responsible for the security or welfare of exhibits
• Do not include material of high value, unique or rare materials. Digital surrogates should be exhibited when at all possible
• The State Library of Massachusetts assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item exhibited.  All exhibitors will sign a form that releases the State Library of Massachusetts from any responsibility

Best Practices (labels, contrast, font):

• The State Library maintains high standards for its exhibits. Exhibits must be well prepared, well organized, aesthetically pleasing, and be ADA compliant (see text/labels)
• Exhibits should have specific start and end dates, although the end date may be extended if the schedule allows. As a general rule, exhibits should be on display for one to three months
• Materials being displayed should not damage or destroy the library’s exhibit cases

Exhibit Text/Labels:

• Text should be word processed and printed on a high-quality printer if not professionally designed and/or typeset. Labels should be mounted to foam board for installation.
• Typeface should be a legible font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, Century, or Arial
• Text should have contrast, such as black on white
• Font size must be at least 25 point for text panels, 17-18 point for captions is acceptable if the reader can be within 20 inches, 32-35 for headers when needed