The LSU Library is among the most popular study spots on campus. It is constantly buzzing with students searching for a study spot, dropping in for a quick cup of coffee or simply taking refuge from the Louisiana sun. Many students visit the library every day, and yet few take the time to observe some of the library’s (not so) hidden gems: the display cases.
Located in the first-floor corridor and second-floor lobby, the glass display cases feature a rotation of displays on a myriad of topics. According to LSU’s Humanities and Social Science Librarian Elizabeth Long Allen, some of the library’s past displays include recreations of barbershops and beauty salons, LSU Theatre performances and important events in LGBTQ+ history.
Before the displays can be featured, applicants must first submit their proposals to the Library Display Committee for review, which includes Research and Instruction Librarians Marty Miller, Narcissa Haskins, Jazzlynn Boyd and Allen herself. The committee determines if the idea is compelling and well thought out, and then checks the final design for technical errors such as grammar and formatting.
“Displays are usually up for a month or so,” Allen said in an email. “Rotation honestly depends on how many proposals we receive and when and where they would like their display to be showcased. Some semesters displays rotate more frequently than others.”
The library’s current lobby display is “The Unlikely Spies of WWII: America’s Bookworms,” curated by Kendall Caple, the government publications and patent & trademarks librarian.
Caple was inspired by articles in Time Magazine, which delved into how the U.S. government used librarians, archivists and professors as spies during WWII due to their wealth of knowledge and ability to acquire information.
“Ultimately, the espionage work of the librarians, archivists and professors who risked their lives to fill information deficits in the U.S. was not only vital to winning the war, but it also enhanced the collections of American libraries,’ Caple said in an email.
Caple’s display in the first-floor corridor features four informational posters above the display cases, which detail the start of the war and how U.S. intelligence agencies employed these intellectuals as spies during the war.
Below the posters are two display cases filled with photographs, flyers and open books. These pieces of physical media help tell the story of these unlikely spies by grounding the history in real, tangible objects. Caple hopes that her display can help students remember the importance of libraries.
“Overall, I wanted to share the importance of the hidden story and the work of these librarians, archivists, and professors through the creation of a display that reminds people of the importance of investing in knowledge by maintaining well-funded libraries,” Caple said.
The display cases have been around since long before Allen became an LSU librarian almost 10 years ago, and they are not going anywhere anytime soon. Instead, the display cases will continue to highlight fascinating history and showcase campus life with the overarching goal of sharing information.
“The purpose of the displays is to share information, whatever that may be,” Allen said. “Sometimes the displays highlight a historical topic, celebrate a holiday or commemoration, or highlight interesting projects and activities occurring around campus. Other times displays are used to highlight our library resources that may be lesser known. Displays have a number of purposes, but the key foundation is the sharing of information.”
