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EXHIBITION SERVICES

Exhibition Loan Requests

Institutions may request the loan of items for exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution Libraries (SIL), including rare books, by submitting a written request one year in advance of the proposed exhibition to:

Susan R. Frampton
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
NHB Room 27 MRC 154
PO Box 37012
Washington, DC 20013-7012

The request should include: a brief description of the exhibition; exhibition opening and closing dates (and include time for shipping and return to the Smithsonian): contact information; author, title, date, and if known, call number; page openings or plates desired for display; and a completed standard facilities report available from the American Association of Museums with a diagram of the exhibition (including where SIL materials will be located). SIL staff will review the request and evaluate requested materials for their suitability for exhibition. A certificate of insurance will be required prior to finalizing the exhibition loan. For further information about exhibition loans, call 202-357-1766 ext 148 or email framptons@si.edu.

Exhibition Requirements

To protect the Libraries' collections from unnecessary damage during exhibition, the borrower agrees to observe these practical guidelines in exhibiting materials from the collections of the Smithsonian Institution Libraries.

General exhibition environment

Temperature and relative humidity of the exhibit case or gallery in which the loaned items are displayed is consistent within the ranges of 65° to 70°F and 35% to 45% relative humidity, and is monitored and recorded on a weekly basis. Very sensitive objects may require special environmental conditions or additional environmental control, such as conditioned silica gel or desiccant below the deck, or floor, of the exhibit case.

Protect exhibited objects against damaging effects of light, especially ultraviolet radiation present in daylight and fluorescent light. Protective measures include UV-filtering glazing for or film on windows and exhibit cases. Filtering capacity will be comparable to that of UF-3 Plexiglas, Acrylic OP2, or Solar Shield film laminate. UV-filtering film or low-UV lamps, such as Fade Verd A Ray, will be installed in fluorescent light fixtures.

The Libraries limits illumination for most materials to 5 foot candles, about 50 lux of visible light and 75 microwatts per lumen ultraviolet radiation. Watercolor or other fugitive media or fragile paper may be limited to 3-foot candles.

Filter particulate and chemical pollutants out of the exhibit case or gallery atmosphere.

Avoid introducing insects to the exhibit through props, plants or other exhibit materials.

Exhibition cases or vitrines

Construct exhibit cases or vitrines of chemically stable materials that do not emit fumes harmful to artifacts.
Particleboard, plywood and other formaldehyde-containing materials should be avoided.
Avoid adhesives within the object display area.

Vapor barriers, such as aluminized polyethylene and nylon laminate (eg, Marvelseal J), between the case base and display area, limit diffusion of fumes into the display area.

Isolate lights from the display area of the case. Where lights must be incorporated into case design, reduce heat gain in the display area by venting the lighting attic.

Choose case finishes that do not emit fumes harmful to artifacts. Avoid paints containing oils or alkyd resins, as they off gas continuously. Avoid oil stains and oil-modified polyurethane finishes. Three coats of moisture-borne polyurethane paint, such as Polyglaze 1-146 (Camger Chemical Company), latex paints or acrylic lacquer-based paints are generally acceptable.

Case should be allowed to off gas or air out after painting or finishing to exhaust fumes. Three weeks of airing in an open position is recommended.

Display of individual objects

Construct supports that support the entire book--covers, spine and text block. SIL specifies the angles of support for the front and back covers, the angle for the opening of the text and the angle of display for an item in the loan agreement.

Cradles of 1/4"-thick methyl methacrylate or acrylic sheet, such as PlexiglasJ or LuciteJ, or acid-free board, such as Conservation Materials Type I Lignin Free .040" board are recommended.

Slightly round sharp corners and soften sharp edges of cradles to prevent damage to displayed materials. Adjustable Benchmark cradles may also be used.

Polyethylene strapping is a chemically stable, visually unobtrusive material to secure the book to the support and to restrain pages at the desired display opening. MylarJ or other polyester has relatively inflexible and sharp edges that may deform or tear page edges.

Isolate a book displayed on the deck, or floor, of the display case by placing a barrier layer between the book and the deck. The dimensions of the barrier correspond closely to the dimensions of the book. Barrier materials may be museum-quality mounting board, acid free board or polyester film, such as Mylar Type DJ or MelinexJ.

To document the exposure of each item, the Libraries will include a standard eight-step light fading test strip and instructions for placing it near each item while on display.

Physical security

Use tamper-resistant hardware on exhibit cases or vitrines. Use security plates for small wall-mounted objects. Hang large wall-mounted objects with strap hangers mounted on sides of frame, rather than with picture wire.

Provide additional security for valuable material by means of sonic alarms on cases or large wall-mounted objects and guards in the exhibition area.