EXHIBITIONS IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES: THE EXPERIENCE AT IBADAN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

Abstract

Library exhibitions are a common form of display, focusing on books, manuscripts, letters, or other materials relevant to literary production. They can be short-lived or permanent, with the former being exhibition and the latter being display. However, the rationale behind literary exhibitions is often misunderstood by both library patrons and professional colleagues. Public libraries should devote more attention to publicizing their holdings and services through occasional exhibitions, but libraries as centers of learning need to promote the sale of their services, especially in developing countries. Regular mounting of exhibitions and displays can help readers make maximum use of the library. Literary exhibitions are considered the least developed of all library functions but are specialized and not popular in library schools. In Nigeria, literary exhibitions are not well integrated into the librarianship system and are considered a library art rather than a scientific discipline. Despite the University of Ibadan's regular exhibitions, many are still unaware of the need for periodic and selective exhibitions.