Since 1909 the Newberry Library has been highlighting its collections through its exhibitions. Under Librarian W. N. C. Carlton (1909-1920), exhibitions became a regular feature of the Library's programs. Although no formal organizational structure and coordination of exhibits existed until 1983, Rare Book Room (later Special Collections) supervisors Gertrude L. Woodward, Colton Storm and Wing custodians Ernst F. Detterer, James M. Wells were de facto organizers who curated many shows themselves in the period prior to the renovation of the Cobb Building. In 1983, Library Services under Mary Wyly assumed responsibility for the exhibits program and an exhibits advisory committee was formed.

Includes scrapbooks of mounted labels, loose labels, printed catalogues, and exhibitions working papers, primarily from the period after 1920.

See also exhibitions papers in the records of Librarians George B. Utley through Lawrence W. Towner (Record Groups 03/04-03/06), the papers of James M. Wells (Record Group 03/21/01), and in the files of the Wing custodians (Record Group 08/04) and Special Collections (Record Group 11/06).