University of Missouri-Columbia Libraries

General Policy Manual Policy # 33

 

ELLIS LIBRARY EXHIBITS

0.0 CONTENTS

1.0 Scope of Policy

2.0 General

3.0 Administration of Exhibits

4.0 Complaints

1.0 SCOPE

This policy establishes guidelines for exhibits in the first and second floor exhibit cases in Ellis Library.

2.0 GENERAL

2.1 The objective of library exhibits is to publicize the richness and diversity of the Libraries' collection, and to provide information about and promote interest in achievements and activities of the University community.

2.2 Exhibits should be carefully conceived and should support the scholarly, historic, social and cultural concerns of the University.

2.3 Exhibits may be enhanced by borrowing items and artifacts to supplement library materials; however, the library assumes no responsibility for loss or damage. The Director of Libraries may elect to purchase temporary museum insurance coverage on special occasions.

2.4 No event may be scheduled in connection with an exhibition without prior approval of the Director of Libraries.

3.0 ADMINISTRATION OF EXHIBITS

3.1 The Director of Libraries shall appoint an exhibits committee to implement the exhibits policy, to supervise the planning and preparation of exhibits and to maintain a master calendar of exhibitions.

3.2 The committee or its members may plan and execute exhibits. They shall also serve in an advisory/supervisory role for other exhibitors. A committee member will be designated as liaison between the library and each exhibitor.

3.3 Requests for exhibit space shall be submitted to the chair of the Exhibits Committee. However, the committee is not obligated to accept ideas or materials for exhibit.

3.3.1 Exhibits originating from within the Libraries have first priority. Exhibits of merit from other groups may be accepted as space is available.

3.3.2 A tie-in to the Libraries is recommended for all exhibits, for example, including appropriate books from the Libraries' collection, or displaying a bibliography for further information. The Libraries Exhibits Committee is responsible for the check out of library material to be used in a display. Items are subject to being recalled if requested by a patron.

3.3.3 Exhibits should not advocate the personal point of view of the exhibitor. Topics for exhibits may include controversial issues only if such issues are presented from a neutral or non-partisan point of view.

3.3.4 Exhibits should not promote the financial profit of any individual or organization.

3.4 The duration of each exhibit will be 4 - 8 weeks unless special arrangements have previously been made.

3.5 The Exhibits Committee reserves the right to review each exhibit and to require necessary changes in keeping with this policy as well as to modify schedules for durations of exhibits, if necessary.

3.6 Non-library exhibitors must furnish all display supplies except bookends. A limited number of book stands may be made available to exhibitors.

3.7 Preservationally sound methods of displaying library material should be utilized.

3.7.1 Irreplaceable materials should be exhibited with care.

3.7.2 When open books are exhibited, their pages should be turned frequently, if appropriate.

3.7.3 All lighting for exhibit cases should be free of ultraviolet rays.

3.7.4 Light levels should be kept low as possible.

3.7.5 Temperature and humidity will be regularly monitored.

3.7.6 Books should be displayed carefully so that the bookblocks are supported and spines do not crack when they are lying down.

4.0 COMPLAINTS ABOUT EXHIBITS

4.1 Should a formal complaint be lodged concerning the contents of a library exhibit, the Exhibits Committee will meet to discuss it and make a recommendation to the Director of Libraries, who will make a decision.

4.2 The committee will make its recommendation(s) within two weeks.

4.3 Materials in the exhibit under investigation will remain on display pending recommendation(s) of the committee and the Director's decision.

Submitted to Library Council: January 29, 1988

Approved by Library Council: February 24, 1988

Approved by Director of Libraries: February 29, 1988

Revision Submitted to Library Council: June 24, 1993

Revision Approved by Library Council: August 5, 1993

Revision Approved by Director of Libraries: August 5, 1993