Abstract
The Rutgers University Art Library Exhibition Spaces (RALES) were created so that an Art Librarian could more intentionally connect with the departments with whom she is a liaison, and to further engage the local campus communities by elevating the importance of scholarly research happening in the Arts. These spaces also provide an opportunity for student artists, graduate students in librarianship, and organizations putting up their first exhibit, to learn more about what goes into an exhibition, from creation of the work, to the public viewing, marketing, and reception. RALES also provides an opportunity for individuals to view artworks in person, as opposed to studying an image in a book. In three years, this teaching gallery has hosted 40 exhibits by students, faculty, and staff, from the Rutgers communities, as well as a few local and out of state artists. There has been little to no cost in running this gallery space, other than the time. The most impactful aspect of RALES is that it has created a deeper connection to the patrons that the Art Library serves, as well as built bridges across the campuses that have introduced the libraries to many new potential partnerships. This poster will include a brief review of exhibition spaces in academic libraries as well as a discussion on how gallery spaces can be low cost, easy to coordinate, and create a lasting impact. Audience members will learn more about the physical make up of RALES, and view examples of exhibits shown in the space.