The Grolier Club's exhibition labels follow a specific format, outlined below. Plan your labels in accordance with these guidelines.
Our "Label Copy Template" is attached to this web page. You may download this Microsoft Word document and type directly into it, following the template for format.
We have three kinds of labels: name plate, object label, and section label. See further specifications for each kind of label below.
The Grolier Club staff will assist you in proofreading and editing your final label copy, but it should be proofread and polished as much as possible before being submitted to the Club's staff for review.
First drafts of label copy are due twelve weeks before installation. Final label copy must arrive at the Club at least eight weeks before installation, formatted in Microsoft Word using the "Label Copy Template" below, sent to the Exhibitions Manager (sbuchsbaum@grolierclub.org). Please use our provided template, as this will ensure a smooth production process in house. All didactics are subject to final approval by the Exhibitions Manager and Director.
All labels are placed on the label rail to adhere to best accessibility practices. At our final walkthrough of the installation, we will confirm with you the order of the objects, then number each object and its respective label.
A name plate displays only the bibliographic information for an object: author, title, place of publication, publisher, and date.
An object label should include:
Basic bibliographic information (author, title, place of publication, publisher and date)
A short descriptive paragraph explaining the significance of the item, the illustrations, the binding, the history of the copy, or any other notable features. The descriptive note should help the viewer understand why that particular item was chosen for exhibition; it should be written in a clear, brisk style; it should not be more than a paragraph long.
Word limit: 75 words for description.
A section label describes the overarching theme of a case or large grouping of materials. It should connect to the key tenets of the exhibition and highlight the distinctive nature of this grouping of materials. Word limit: 125 words.
File Name: [Surname]-[ShowShortTitle]-Labels-v.#-[YYYY.MM.DD]
Having consistent file names helps us keep track of the most up-to-date version of your label copy. When submitting labels, please be sure to include your surname, the exhibition short title, "Labels," version number, and the date.
For example: Salguero-Interspecies-Labels-v.1-2028.06.10
Microsoft Word format [see "Label Copy Template" below!]
Typeface: We are happy to use the same typeface suite from your catalogue or related printed ephemera, provided they meet best practices for vision accessibility. Otherwise, we will use the Club's typical suite (Garamond and Futura. Please consult with the Exhibitions Department regarding design.
The Exhibitions Department will produce the labels in-house at no cost to the curators. External design and production of the labels is at the curator's expense.
Please use this template when preparing your label drafts. This table format will allow us to keep track of important details relating to each object, such as placement and arrangement. You do not need to format your labels in our final production style.
This reference file demonstrates what the final labels may look like once formatted and printed. If you have a distinct typography suite associated with your exhibition (from your publication or other materials), we are happy to incorporate your chosen typefaces, subject to adherence to accessibility standards.