MSU Library Display Archive
Sorting Out Race: Examining Racial Identity and Stereotypes in Thrift Store Donations
June 6 - September 28, 2023
Sorting Out Race is a travelling exhibit curated by the Kauffman Museum at Bethel College and presented by the MSU Library in collaboration with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Academic Diversity Partners.
Everyday thrift stores receive donations of items with racial imagery—antique advertising cards, collectible salt-and-pepper shakers, vintage children’s books, and mugs with sports team mascots. Are these harmless reminders of past attitudes or do they perpetuate stereotypes about race? Should thrift stores sell these objects? Or should they be “sorted out” of the resale environment? Sorting Out Race arose out of a desire to divert these artifacts from thrift stores to an exhibit that would generate a healthy community conversation about our continuing struggles with race.
Sorting Out Race will be exhibited on the first floor of the MSU Library through September 28.
Earth, Making a Difference
April 2023
Each year, we honor environmental efforts to coordinate and support protection of the earth on April 22nd, national Earth Day. This year, the MSU Library is celebrating new and returning ways to actively participate and engage in learning about climate change, the environment, and how you can make a difference. The library is partnering with Citizen Science to make science kits available for check-out. These kits guide anyone through an outdoor adventure, exploring and capturing some information about the world around them. From practical tips to books and films you can explore through the library to what’s happening on campus with the annual Sustainability Summit, Climate Week, and student and community groups focused on environmental efforts, everyone can learn something and be involved in making a difference today.
Timeline of Women’s History at MSU
March 2023
This display traced a timeline of notable women and their contributions to the history of Montana State University from its founding to the present day. Also included were book recommendations from this year’s newly inducted “Extraordinary, Ordinary” women and members of MSU’s Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies committee.
Black History Month and Notable Black Authors
February 2023
Made in collaboration with MSU’s Black Student Union, this display featured African American authors with brief descriptions of their careers and accomplishments. It also outlined the origins of Black History Month in the United States.
Open House 2023 – “Opening Possibilities”
January 2023
Connecting to this year’s theme of “Opening Possibilities” and acknowledging the enormous burden that textbook costs can place on students, this display educated viewers on Open Educational Resources (OER) and how they are implemented in MSU’s curriculum. A poster chart was placed alongside the display where students could place stickers tracking how much money they spent on textbooks for the spring semester.
First-Generation Students Association
November - December 2022
MSU’s First Generation Students Association exhibited a series of captioned photos of “first gen” students, faculty, and staff to raise help awareness and promote campus resources.
Hispanic Heritage Authors
Mid-September - October 2022
This display highlighted Spanish-language authors from around the world and included a map of their diverse nationalities. Also featured was a love sonnet by Pablo Neruda in both Spanish and translated English.
Celebrate the Freedom to Read - Banned Books Week
Books Unite Us. Censorship Divides Us
September 2022
Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. It was launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores and libraries. It highlights the value of free and open access to information. Banned Books Week brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
34th Annual Bug Buffet Spring 2022
This year is the 34th Annual Bug Buffet. This display explored the use of creepy critters in food concoctions as not only a potential food source option, but looking towards the past and Native American practices that have used these creatures for centuries. A week long celebration with events were offered by the Health and Human Development. Is this an event you would be able to take a bite out of?
Reading Alters Lives Winter 2022
The MSU Library is more than just a house for books, it is a home that fosters new ideas and expanding imaginations. This year for our annual Open House the theme of Reading Alters Lives brought about the question of "what book has enriched your life?". In this Display we explored that idea asked the library employees that very question and were thrilled by the responses, and happily displayed them to share with the public and get the passers by to stop and think about the books they have read and how some simple words on a page has altered their lives.
Indigenous Voices Fall 2021
This display is a celebration of the Indigenous Voices. In this display there are recommendations from an MSU Library Collection which feature 6 indignenous authors that were recommended by library workers. There are also some authentic items donated for the library to highlight and share a glimpse into a unique culture.
Bears, Birds, and Brothers: A Glimpse into the Craighead CollectionSpring 2021
This display is a celebration of acquiring and beginning the digitization of the Craighead Collection in the Archives and Special Collections. It is a peek into the fascinating adventures in research that Frank and John Craighead experienced. These cases share a glimpse of the amazing span of research, from falconry to war manuals, to grizzly bear tracking.
J.R.R. Tolkien Celebration Spring 2021
March 25th is Tolkien reading day, a day to encourage fans to celebrate the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and to read his works. The library celebrated his life and accomplishments with this display.
Black History Month - Speaking Truth to Power: A Selection of Powerful Black Voices Spring 2021
This display was created and executed by members (Lori, Christina, and Heather) of the library's IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Allyship) Committee. In honor of Black History Month, the IDEA committee spotlighted powerful black voices.
Hibernation Reads - Book Recommendations Spring 2021
Winter can be harsh and cold, help to melt away the snow and enjoy your days with some books! The library reached out to the staff of MSU and the employees here at the MSU library to give you some honest, first hand recommendations! So relax, grab a hot drink and find your next great read!
Voting in America & Veteran's Day Fall 2020
2020 is a very important election year as the vote for President takes the stage . This display has information about the history of voting in America, as well as paying homage to the veteran's past and present for their dedication and sacrifice for the freedom of all Americans.
Banned Books Week 2020 Fall 2020
This year we celebrated Banned Books Week virtually!! We used Zoom and had multiple rounds of questions for teams to answer, and it was a fantastic evening! In our display we amplified the ALA Banned Books Week theme "Censorship is a dead end. Find your freedom to read.".
Bicycles Booming in 2020 Summer 2020
In the midst of Covid-19, an increase of bike sales created another historical 'bicycle boom'. In this display it shows off how bicycles have been a major trend, as well as providing helpful information about the bicycle community on the MSU campus.
Plagues and Pandemics: A Glimpse Behind the Masks Fall 2020
In light of the 2020 pandemic, medical masks have become a hot topic in conversation. In this new display set up on 2nd floor by Archives and Special Collections, glimpse behind the masks at the people and ingenuity that hard times immortalized.
Leap Year 2020 Spring 2020
Once every 4 years the world experiences a Leap Year. This year we celebrated this momentous event with some engaging history. From weddings to witches learn some of the strange connections that leap year makes in these subjects.
Open House 2020 - Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll Spring 2020
January 9th the Library hosted their annual Open House, this year the theme was based on Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. During the Year of Undergraduate Research it seemed only natural to pick a book that explores the themes of learning in new and unexpected ways! The Display Case featured a beautifully hand drawn background drawn by the MSU Library administration student worker Andrea Benson. Her talent brought to life the whimsy and intrigue of Carroll's book. The content of the case delved into the history of the author Lewis Carroll and the man who brought the book to life through art Sir John Tenniel.
Dog Tails for Paws to De-Stress Fall 2019
At our Paws to De-Stress event, the wonderful volunteers and their dogs come to the Library the last two weeks of the semester to help students take a moment to breathe and relax during a very stressful time of the semester. To help spread smiles to student faces, and helpthemto De-Stressstaff of MSU Librarycompiled pictures of their canine companions to help spread smiles to student faces, and help them to De-Stress.
Veterans Day 2019 Fall 2019
In remembrance of all the brave men and women that have served to protect the United States of America, we have a simple display with the flag spread ready to fly. Our heart felt thank you goes to those who served, those who are serving and those who shall serve.
Crossroads of Discovery at YOUR Library Fall 2019
This year the library was the place of the Year Of Undergraduate Research (YOUR) Open House; we provided the location for undergraduate students to come and present their research findings to the community. For our display we made a crossroads of discovery of YOUR Library! The roads lead to areas such as Special Collections, Acoustic Atlas, eResources, Librarians, and more!
Banned Books Week Fall 2019
This year we celebrated Banned Books Week with a trivia night at Spectators bar and grill. We had multiple rounds of questions for people to answer, and it was a fantastic evening! In our display we amplified the ALA Banned Books Week theme "Censorship leaves us in the dark. Keep the light on!". We shed light on somebooks and titles that have been banned.
100th Birthday Celebration for MSU Alum Dr. Maurice Hilleman Late Summer 2019
As a part of the Year Of Undergraduate Research (YOUR), and in celebration of the 100th birthday of Dr. Maurice Hilleman, the library crafted this display about the MSU Alumni. A man that grew from a humble beginning in the small town of Miles City, Montana made his way to changing the world with hard work and research.
50th Anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing Summer 2019
In celebration of the 50th Apollo Moon Landing, the library displayed videos of the era, encapsulating the moment from 50 years ago into a quiet moment of reflection of a different time.
Tribal College Library Institute (TCLI) & Native American Studies at MSU Summer 2019
TCLI was founded in 1989, when library faculty at Montana State University Library, responded to a request for a special workshop to address the professional needs of librarians at Montana’s seven tribal colleges. In 1992, as tribal college librarians in the region received word of this successful annual workshop, participation was increased to include North Dakota and South Dakota, and in 1993 to include the state of Washington. In 1994, TCLI received a grant from the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) to expand the program yet again to include librarians from all AIHEC affiliated libraries.
Adding to the excitement of TCLI, this year there has been the celebration of the newest Hall on campus, for the Native American Studies. In the case images from the ground blessing, and the proposed building were included. Information about the classes that are offered for the current Native American Studies were listed to show just how many options are offered.
Class of 2019, this case is for you! Go Bobcats! Spring 2019
We are so proud of all of the graduating students of MSU!
April is National Poet-Tree Month Spring 2019
April is National Poetry Month! This year to celebrate, we let our student workers take the lead on designing the display and it turned into this wonderful creation, with the fun theme of Poet-Tree!
They worked to make all of the elements highlight the Poet-Tree and to bring some spring into the library. Poems were chosen from many different time periods, genres, and people from all walks of life. The poems were placed on the leaves, flowers, and raindrops as a way to show that poetry is all around us. Many of the library's poetry books were featured in the case and it was advertised for people to check them out from there.
The Sensual Fish - Trout Lecture featuring Henry Hughes Spring 2019
MSU Library sponsors an annual Trout and Salmonid Lecture which is free and open to the public. This year we’re pleased to present The Sensual Fish, a playful and scholarly evening with writer and professor Henry Hughes. Drawing from literature, art and popular culture, Henry will discuss the delightfully slippery world at the confluence of piscine and human existence. Through fishing, Hughes crosses boundaries of race, ethnicity, gender, and class, and learns important life lessons as he interacts with people who share his love of fishing and enjoy the sensual connection between the salty pleasures and tensions of human and fish life. His exploration of the romantic aspects of fishing is sure to delight the audience.
Henry’s stories aren’t just for people who fish.
They’re for anyone who enjoys human connection and a good story.
Goethe Institute Display Spring 2019
The MSU German department was lucky enough to get the Goethe "Erfinderland" exhibit to come to MSU! The MSU Library teamed up with them to extend the exhibit into the Library. There was a display telling about the exhibit as well as acting as a calendar for the events. The exhibit celebrated Germany's contributions of inventions to the world in a wide range of fields. The Library also hosted a virtual reality experience on the CyberDiscovery Wall, featuring a tour of the hindenburg or watching the Bauhaus exhibit their unique dance style.
One Book One Bozeman 2019 Love and Other Consolation Prizes by Jamie Ford SPRING 2019
One Book One Bozeman is a community focused event wherein one book is selected as the local read. By supporting this selection with author talks, discussion panels and other programming, OBOB promotes literacy and community engagement through the shared experience of reading.
For 2019, MSU Library has partnered with the Bozeman Public Library and the Country Bookshelf to bring to life Jamie Ford's novel Love and Other Consolation Prizes for One Book One Bozeman.
Open House Display 2019 Office of International Programs Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne theme Winter 2019
January 8th the Library hosted their annual Open House, this year the theme was based on Jules Verne's Around the World in 80 Days, so it was only natural to invite the Office of International Programs (OIP) to create the display case. OIP provided images taken by students that have been around the world with the international program. In this display the pictures told the stories of culture, discovery, beauty, friendship, and so much more that are found when traveling.
De-Stress for Success! Winter 2018
During the last two weeks of school, MSU students begin to feel the pressure that finals inevitably create. As a way to help our students do their very best, our De-Stress for Success case has some simple suggestions of ways to help students relax. It simply reminds students just how important it is to relax just for a while so you can resume your studies with renewed vigor.
It was also a great introduction area to our Paws to De-Stress program. During dead week and finals week the Library partners with Intermountain Therapy Animals (ITA); two hours each day there are therapy dogs available for students to interact with, or simply to observe.
100th Anniversary of Armistice Day 11/11/1918 - 11/11/2018 Fall 2018
In remembrance of the 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day the Library dedicated our display case to the memory of those who served and sacrificed in The Great War. Our humble display housed 100 poppies, one each for the years of remembering, and showed the hope that grows from tragedy. Our heart felt thank you goes to those who served, those who are serving and those who shall serve.
125 Extraordinary Ordinary Women of MSU Fall 2018
Since the university’s creation 125 years ago, the women of Montana State University have made remarkable contributions to the status of women at the institution, in the state and across the country. In this year celebrating MSU’s 125th anniversary, the President’s Commission on the Status of University Women is honoring women leaders, problem solvers and innovators from today and throughout MSU’s history.
Nominations poured in from across Montana, recognizing those who have had an impact on the status of women at MSU and inspired others by their example. Out of nearly 400 nominations, 125 Extraordinary Ordinary Women of MSU were selected.
Explore the profiles of these Extraordinary Ordinary Women at www.montana.edu/125women.
Banned Books FALL 2018
This year we celebrated Banned Books Week with a trivia night at MAP Brewery. We had multiple rounds of questions for people to answer, it resulted in a tie that was settled by a dance off! In our case we showed off some books and titles that have been banned nationally all the way down to individual group levels. The broad scope of books made for a fantastic moment for people to stop and reflect on why these books have burned so brightly in the world of controversy.
People & Technology: An Endless Evolution of Change in the Library. FALL 2018
This display was designed to show changes the Library has experience throughout its history. It highlights how the technology has evolved and how seamlessly the library has adapted to each new transformation. The technology and artifacts on display throughout the case, such as a card catalog drawer that has methods of how to find information, from the cards, to microfiche, to floppy disks, VHS, CD, DVD, and a thumb drive. The archaic looking book vice that would hold the binding in place as the glue would dry, the rotary telephone and flip mobile phone that has its antenna raised as if still searching for a signal. Each of these items were for a moment, ahead of their time, but now the dust has settled on each of them.
Grand Prismatic Spring Inspires Art, Photography and Science Fall 2018
The display Grand Prismatic Spring Inspires Art, Photography and Science is designed to connect the many ways in which people interact with this unique wonder in Yellowstone National Park. The examples of art and photography are boundless with a wide range of media and artists. The science, represented by MSU’s Thermal Biology Institute, encapsulates one of the finest examples of what we can learn from thermal springs that benefit science as well as humans. The most striking aspect of the Grand Prismatic Spring of course is its renowned color. What seems surely the product of enhanced digital photography is absolutely genuine, and defies all attempts at reproduction. If you haven’t had the opportunity to stand in the sulphur-laden steam from this magnificent spring, there is no better time than now!
Graphic Design 224: Form + Content | Instructor: Meta Newhouse, Associate Professor,
Graphic Design
Spring 2018
The book jackets were the product of a course focused on pairing typography and image to express conceptual thinking. The project "The New York Times Non-Fiction Book Bestseller Book Jacket" gave students an opportunity to read about a topic and reinterpret that reading into book jacket form. The students were encouraged to consider characters in the stories, storyline, and relevant surprises and twists. The books displayed belong to the individual artists, and not part of the MSU Library collection.
The Divide War: 113 Years of Cat-Griz Rivalry
Late Fall 2017
This display chronicled the spirited history of the Cat/Griz rivalry. It showcased images and information from the MSU Library's Special Collections, which included historical photographs from football programs and team photos dating back to the beginning of the rivalry in 1897. The display took viewers through the first matchup, the Butte years, and up to this year's Brawl of the Wild.
Banned Books Week
Fall 2017
This year we celebrated our freedom to read during the national Banned Books Week. Our display housed information about why books are banned or challenged, as well as historical accounts of book burnings in the United States. We also had a "Banned Books Selfie Station" where patrons were encouraged to snap a selfie with whichever banned book they were caught reading!
One Book One Bozeman
Fall 2017
One Book One Bozeman, "a community-wide read program designed to encourage engaged discussion and literacy through the reading of a common book." In 2017, the featured book was Speak by Louisa Hall, which interrogates themes of human communication. Glimpse various tools of human communication from different eras, ranging from a rotary phone to one of the first Apple laptops. One Book One Bozeman is sponsored by the Bozeman Public Library, the Country Bookshelf, and MSU Library.