Exhibit Label Guidelines
(available here as PDF)Types of labels
Banners are large-letter (typically 4" or more) signs that give the title and perhaps the dates of an exhibit. They are used at the entrance to an exhibit or a gallery, often high up on a wall. Public Relations can arrange to have a graphic designer work with the curator to design a banner or large poster that serves this purpose.
Introductory labels are typically larger signs that provide an overview or introduction to the overall exhibit. They are the largest "labels" in size and in typeface. If the exhibit requires a large introductory label, printing should be coordinated with Public Relations. Sometimes smaller text labels placed throughout the exhibit cases can take the place of a one large introductory label, especially for multi-facet exhibits with multiple themes.
Text labels provide an intermediate level of information between an introductory label and the more specific object labels. These can provide historical background or text related to groups of objects. They often serve to organize the exhibit.
Object labels provide information such as description or title, date or age, artist or user, material composition, and sometimes a brief text on a particular object. Also included here is the call number or information about how to locate the item. Ownership should be specified if the item is on loan for the exhibit. If the item was a gift to NUL, that information may need to be included. Different levels of information are usually placed on different lines.
A typical object label will look like this:
Bookbinding and the Care of Books
Douglas Cockerell
New York: Appleton Press, 1902
Call number: 025.7 C666s
This rare first edition of Cockerell's classic treatise on bookbinding provides a detailed account of bookbinding in the 19th century.
Key labels are another form of object label. Instead of a separate label adjacent to each object, a key label combines a group of object labels onto one label, identifying them, usually by number, with a corresponding number placed next to the object. Another type uses a drawing of the exhibit object as a key. These labels are used when individual labels would be too intrusive, as with a group of small objects in a case or when the objects are at a distance from the viewer. Key labels should be used only when necessary.
Every object in an exhibit should have some identification, otherwise the object becomes no different than a prop. If it is important enough to show the public, it's important enough to have a label. If you don't know anything about the object, you should at least be able to name it and provide the catalog number.
Label and type size
The size of labels depends on three things: the size of the type, the number of words, and design considerations. Type size should be large enough so that even people with poor vision can read a label.
Banners and posters are typically printed with up to 4" high letters depending on the size and orientation of the banner. The graphic designer will work with you to design and create the banner.
Introductory labels require at least 24 pt. for text and 48 pt. for titles. If the introductory label is going to be mounted on a wall or located outside the cases, the font sizes can be larger.
Text labels require at least 18 pt. for text and 36 pt. for titles. Since the text labels are usually inside the cases, this size combination works well in regard to the proportion of the cases.
Object labels require at least 12 pt. for text and 14 pt. for titles. For example:
Bookbinding and the Care of Books (14 pt. bold Helvetica)
Douglas Cockerell (12 pt. bold Helvetica)
New York: Appleton Press, 1902 (12 pt. Helvetica)
Call number: 025.7 C666s (12 pt. Helvetica)
This rare first edition of Cockerell's classic treatise on bookbinding provides a detailed account of bookbinding in the 19th century. (12 pt. Helvetica)
Typefaces
Different typefaces will use space differently, even if they are the same point size. Choose typefaces that are easy to read. Common styles such as Times, Times New Roman, Garamond or Helvetica are frequently used for labels. Be consistent. Use the same typeface throughout an exhibit, with perhaps the exception of the banner. Don't use all uppercase letters unless for occasional headings. They take more space and are harder to read.
Paper stock and color choices
Paper for labels should be light in color and relatively untextured. Type should be a dark color to maximize contrast and aid in legibility.
Label placement
Arrange labels uniformly, so that text labels appear at appropriate points in the exhibit and object labels maintain a consistent relationship with objects. One purpose of labels is to integrate the exhibit. Avoid label clutter. Labels should not detract from the visual appearance of the exhibit.
Recommended reading
Exhibit Labels: An Interpretive Approach. Beverly Serrell. Walnut Creek, California: AltaMira Press, 1996.
This publication provides a comprehensive introduction to label design and includes advice on all aspects of label writing and layout. Contact the Exhibits Committee Chair or the Head of the Preservation Department to borrow a copy.
Exhibits Committee
Northwestern University Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, IL 60208-2300
