Archive Display Cases Create a Museum-like Feel in an Academic Library

Does your academic library have an archive collection? Is it located in a storage closet? Or basement? If you asked your college community about the archive, what would they say?  

Our library team took an alternative approach to engagement and created multidimensional displays within glass display cases.  

The display cases have been utilized to showcase the diversity of MCC and the MCC Archive. Each month, the displays are rotated and aligned with various celebration and awareness days and months.  

It allowed us to show the diversity that exists within our campus community. The display cases allowed for students, community members, and employees to engage in a museum-like experience while interacting with the display cases.  

The My Library Is... Grant allowed the library team to create a purpose around the archives, to increase a sense of community and understanding of our shared past.  

Each month the displays rotated. For some months, there was a theme across all of the display cases, and other month, each one was telling a unique story.  

In October, the displays focused entirely on individuals with disabilities; in September, one display highlighted economic diversity; December’s displays highlighted MCC’s recognition of holidays and faiths over the years; and in January, the focus was on age diversity. 

Year Snapshot:  

July: Discover how McHenry County College and MCC students have responded to economic changes and challenges throughout the years 

August: Explore and reflect on gender equality changes through the years 

September: Discover how McHenry County College supports & represents Latine & Hispanic individuals and communities on campus 

October: Explore how MCC as an organization has met the needs of individuals with physical disabilities and neurodiversity differences 

November: Honoring Our Veterans: Explore how MCC has recognized individuals who have served. 

December: Every December, a number of faiths observe religious holy days. The MCC Archive presents how MCC honors and celebrates the many faiths of its community. 

January: How does MCC engage with adult stakeholders? 

February: MCC Honors Black History  

March: MCC Celebrates Women’s History Month 

April: MCC supports sustainability 

May: Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 

Prior to the installation of these displays, engagement with the archive collection primarily occurred only upon request. The use of display cases has significantly increased awareness of the MCC Archive and, more importantly, has created opportunities for community interaction and dialogue.  

The display cases were positioned in close proximity to our student employees. We asked them what they observed over the last year.  

“People seemed to enjoy learning about the history of the school and the people who worked and studied here, with some pleasantly reminiscing about their time here when the school was new.” Cailtyn, MCC Student 

"I have witnessed people being really intrigued with what the display cases are showing. They appear to be really interested and even ask questions about the case.” Clara, MCC student  

Many visitors have paused to view the displays during their visits to the library, while others have specifically come to see the monthly exhibitions. Additionally, we have observed an uptick in the number of donations because more people learned we had an archive collection because of the displays. 

Advice from the MCC Archive team:  

• Develop a Long-Term Plan: Outline your goals, schedule regular rotations, and plan for ongoing maintenance to keep displays fresh and relevant.
• Engage in Community Outreach: Invite community members to contribute ideas and materials, ensuring the displays reflect diverse voices and local stories.
• Choose High-Traffic, Visible Locations: Place display cases in prominent areas to maximize visibility and encourage spontaneous engagement from visitors. 

This week’s blog post was written by Ashley Fleming, Executive Director, McHenry County College Library. 

This project was made possible by the My Library Is... Grant.