The main entrance of the University Library features a new exhibit showcasing the work of Medill School of Journalism alumni and some of the biggest names in journalism.
The exhibit, titled “Who is the Journalist? The Past, Present, and Future of News” includes work produced by Medill alums Richard Stolley, Christine Brennan, Georgie Anne Geyer, Hank Klibanoff, Richard Longworth, Kevin Sites, Dale Messick and Michael Wilbon. There is also material on loan from Medill Prof. David Protess.
Medill Prof. Loren Ghiglione, curator of the exhibit, said he wanted the exhibit to focus on the work of living journalists in order to connect with students.
“We thought we could somehow connect to students by saying, ‘Here are examples of people who have been here and gone off and done inspiring, interesting work,'” he said.
The exhibit includes artifacts such as press passes from Sites, a toy action figure of Spider Jerusalem – a comic book character who works as a futuristic journalist – and comic books featuring Brenda Starr, a savvy female journalist. The exhibit also features five screens that flash images and videos about new media.
“We thought that if we introduced screens, that would help because we’re trying to tell the story of a digital revolution,” Ghiglione said.
Nina Barrett, spokesperson for the library, said this is the first time the library has done a major joint venture with someone not on the library staff.
“I’m totally thrilled,” she said. “There’s a lot of really interesting stuff that makes it pop.”
Barrett said the exhibit will stay up during the summer because its coordinators wanted students participating in the Cherubs program to see it.
Arda Gucler, a Ph.D. candidate studying political science who works at the information desk of the library, said he has seen students looking at the exhibit as they walk by, but they haven’t really been observing it.
Gucler said he thought the exhibit was “awesome” and said he likes the inclusion of artifacts and photos.
Ghiglione said answering the question, “Who is the journalist?” is difficult because different types of people are bringing journalism to the world – politicians, entertainers, propagandists, regular citizens with cell phones. However, he said he is pleased with how the exhibit turned out.
“I think it’s raised the bar for exhibits at the library,” Ghiglione said.
