Describes various types of university library exhibitions, lists their objectives and highlights their role as a publicity strategy. Presents the results of a study of exhibitions mounted at Abubaker Tafawa Balewa University, in Nigeria, from 1990‐1993. Finds that anniversary events are the most frequent subject for exhibitions, followed by those for the promotion of library services. Offers a number of recommendations for successful exhibitions, which can be used as an influential public relations strategy for the promotion of the library’s services.