Is That It?

This week I experienced two instances of what I will call "the big let-down."

I have a real love for "special collections" materials. Typically, this consists of rare, old and unique materials separated from the rest of the collection to be treated more carefully. Also - and this is the best part of it for me - these type of materials have become more artifacts than mere vessels of information. The books themselves become the art objects.

Several years ago, I was able to secure a bona fide exhibition case to display items like this from our library collections. I felt I could finally exhibit some of these amazing books complete with text panels and labels. Typically, I do three to four installations of books a year related to an exhibition on view.

I spend a lot of time preparing. I spend loads of time culling the shelves, thinking about the goals and finding the right books to tell the story. These little exhibitions get advertised in our member newsletter and the case itself is readily noticeable just outside the main doors to the library.

Up until about six months ago I rarely got any feedback about the books and didn't really have a sense if anyone was actually looking at the exhibit. I'd even find the occasional cup ring left from someone who used the case to hold their coffee cup while waiting for a meeting. (Gee, thanks.)

A few months ago, I started to get people coming into the library asking where the book exhibit was. I'd point them to the case; they'd look, say thanks and leave. Yay!

Well, this week, my excitement was shattered. On two separate occasions someone came in and asked "where is the book exhibit?" Excitedly, I'd say "oh, it's right out here..." and direct them accordingly. On both occasions, they looked briefly, then said "is that it?" Both had the sense that they expected much, much more. It seemed to be a big let-down.

Hours of culling, researching and writing and that's what it came down to: is that it?