The Lilly Library is Indiana University’s principal rare books, manuscripts, and special collections library. I started at the Lilly Library as the Exhibition Assistant, where much of my time was dedicated to learning paper and book conservation, overseeing the workflow of the conservation department, and coordinating with staff and faculty in exhibition development.
Transitioning from smaller institutions to a large university helped broaden my definition of audience and their unique set of interests and research. Incorporating the needs of students, researchers, and faculty drives my exhibition input and conservation work at the Lilly Library. A large part of the exhibition process is not only choosing eye-catching, story driven material, but also employing strong management tools and leveraging empathy to elevate the experiences of a wide variety of patrons. My skill set and ability to navigate multiple exhibition facets led me to my current position of Museum Exhibition Specialist at the Lilly. Below are a few images of the exhibition spaces, outreach efforts and working with perspective donors and students.