Purpose of library exhibits
The library’s exhibits program involves the academic community in visual learning experiences that are informative and educational in nature and reflect the diversity of the university’s curriculum and community. Exhibits supporting the library’s goals and curricular goals of academic programs are given priority.
The library sponsors its own exhibits and considers requests to provide temporary/rotating space for academic departments, student groups recognized by the university, and faculty and students who wish to sponsor an exhibit. Exhibits are managed through the library’s Communications and Special Initiatives group, with support and final approval of the office of the Dean of Library Services.
Exhibit policies
All library exhibits are guided by our commitment to:
- stimulating library users’ educational and cultural interests while reflecting the university’s mission statement.
- affirming the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, which states “…library resources should be provided for the interest, information and enlightenment of all people of the community that the library serves.”
- campus policies on Freedom of Expression.
Because library exhibition spaces are not exclusively gallery spaces, and are not a public forum, all displays must be suitable for view by the broad community of people who visit the library. These areas also serve as passageways for employees and members of the general public of all ages to reach certain library services.
Accordingly, the library discourages proposals containing images that include significant elements of sexually explicit imagery, nudity or graphic depiction of violence. For additional guidance on the suitability of a proposed exhibit in the library, please see our Guidelines for Community Exhibits and Gallery Spaces handout.