Library celebrates the Year of the Estonian Book with an exhibition of legendary study materials

The University of Tartu Library is celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Estonian book with an exhibition showcasing original works by Estonian authors, including textbooks and study materials used in higher education, past and present. The exhibition, titled “Teaching creates knowledge. From Estonian lecture notes to academic textbooks”, will open on 30 January at 17:00 on the second floor of the library, providing a comprehensive overview of university study materials over the past 200 years.

Both university alumni and current students will have the chance to see books familiar from their study years. While much of the exhibition focuses on works from the 20th century, the curators have also unearthed early publications that were among the first to be recognised as university textbooks. “Of course, the exhibition is not solely about textbooks, as the academic education offered at the University of Tartu transcended the knowledge found in officially approved textbooks, even during the darkest occupation periods,” explained the chief curator Marianne Tiik. She added that although the thought processes in earlier works may seem naive today, they were essential stepping stones in the evolution of knowledge and science.

According to Lilian Mengel, Head of the library’s Cultural Environment Department, the exhibition is particularly unique because it was a collaborative effort involving teaching staff from several faculties of the University of Tartu. “We are very grateful to the more than 60 colleagues from the university who contributed their suggestions and reasons for including specific study materials,” said Mengel. She also confirmed that visitors would see the most popular and frequently borrowed textbooks of the past decades. “The exhibition offers quite a lot of recognition and, hopefully, some delightful discoveries as well,” she added.

In addition, visitors can take a test to find out which field of study they would excel in today. A memory wall will invite guests to share their student life memories, which others can enjoy reading. There is also a mailbox in the exhibition where you can leave a thank-you letter for your most memorable lecturer.

The exhibition’s design concept was created by Lilian Mengel. In addition to Marianne Tiik, the curatorial team includes Agnes Kivi, Vilve Seiler, Katri Armolik, Kristhel Haak, Tiiu Tarkpea, Signe Bachmann, Eda-Riin Tuuling, Elo Tõnisoo, Ivika Pall, Pille Naggel, Jelena Ivanova, Moonika Teemus, Marika Liivamägi, Kaarina Rein, Avo Kartul, Svea Pärsimägi, and Kaire Maimets. The exhibition was designed by Eliise Selisaar.

The exhibition is a part of the Year of the Estonian book program which is supported by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Cultural Endowment of Estonia. Visitors can view the display on the second floor of the library until the end of 2025.