Library Exhibits Policy
The Library CSU, Sacramento
MISSION STATEMENT
The Library at California State University at Sacramento is committed to providing an exhibit
program which supports the curriculum of the University and provides a setting which
enhances the cultural and intellectual life of the University and the larger community.
This Program is dedicated to showing quality exhibits produced by the groups and individuals
who are affiliated with the University. In addition, the program offers the community the
opportunity to gain information beyond the traditional classroom setting.
CHARGE AND COMPOSITION OF THE LIBRARY EXHIBIT COMMITTEE
The Committee is charged with making procedural decisions related to exhibits, reviewing
exhibit proposals, the installation of certain exhibits, offering advice and consultation on shows
not hung by the Committee producing and submitting to the Dean a tentative exhibits calendar
and a year end report. In addition, the Committee solicits suggestions from interested Library
employees or members of the University Community who want to prepare bibliographies, book
displays, publicity, media demonstrations or coordinate speakers in conjunction with Library or
University events.
The Library Exhibits Committee is composed of Library Employees and reports to the Dean.
EXHIBIT POLICY STATEMENT
It is the purpose of the Exhibits Program to support the Library’s mission by providing
information in alternative forms, and enriching community knowledge on a large array of
varied subject matter, featuring a broad spectrum of opinion and viewpoints. Exhibits may
provide informational and artistic materials, including artwork, music, and other forms of
entertainment. Just as the CSUS Library does not necessarily endorse the viewpoints of those
whose works are housed in our collections, it does not necessarily endorse the beliefs or
viewpoints of the topics which may be the subject of our exhibits. Comments about the
displays or other materials may be placed in the Library’s Suggestion Box or in the
“Comments” book located near the exhibit.
While the Library supports academic freedom, the Library reserves the right to accept and/or
refuse any exhibit. The exhibit spaces and cases are open to University departments,
individuals affiliated with the University and recognized student organizations.
EXHIBIT ACCEPTANCE
It is the purpose of the Exhibits Program to augment the Library’s mission to support a
university community whose excellence in teaching, learning, research and public service is
enhanced by providing information in all forms and enriching public knowledge on a large
array of varied subject matter. It is acknowledged that some subjects and their public
exhibition may be controversial in nature to some people. While the Library supports
academic freedom, the Library reserves the right to accept and/or refuse a perceived
controversial exhibit.
Exhibits which portray movements or events from a non-partisan historical point of view, or
which makes incidental use of religious or political symbolism in connection with an
ecumenical or non-partisan event or observance will be considered. In order to avoid giving
undue prominence to particular points of view on controversial matters the Library will not
house religious or political exhibits which focus on the tenets of individual sects or parties.
Additionally, no materials shall be exhibited for the financial profit of any individual or
organization.
Preference is given to displays which are directly related to the University’s curriculum and/or
to upcoming events in the Library or on campus.
Exhibits will be considered for acceptance based on:
1. Breadth of appeal
2. Educational content
3. Balanced point of view and conformity with the Library’s and University’s policies
4. Relation of materials to be exhibited to the campus and its extended community
5. Scheduling constraints. Proposed exhibits must fit into the calendar, which is set
Approximately one year in advance
6. Reinforcement of the Library’s and University’s strategic and development goals
7. Quality and aesthetic value
EXHIBIT PREPARATION
An exhibitor will be informed by the Exhibit Committee that his/her exhibit as been accepted
and of the approximate inclusive dates for the exhibit. The time between scheduling and actual
installation is generally several months and in many cases up to a year. The period of time an
exhibit runs may be extended upon the mutual agreement of the exhibitor and the Committee.
During this time, specific needs of the exhibitor and of the Library will be discussed. For
example, amount and types of materials that make up the exhibit; amount of accompanying
texts, and the format of the titles; how it will be shipped and returned, etc. If an exhibitor
requires special installation equipment or arrangements this must be approved and planned
well in advance.
Show design and installation are under the supervision of the Exhibit Committee. The
Committee may, in consultation with the exhibitor or guest curator, exercise its right to
re-hang a long-term show for aesthetic reasons. Except in rare cases all expenses incurred
will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. All displays are to be installed and disassembled
between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. weekdays only.
If exhibitors want to include materials that are not inside locked cases, the Library advises that
there is no security and attractive items are subject to theft. All moveable works will be “tattletaped” (the metallic surveillance strips to avoid them being removed from the building during
building hours. The Library is not responsible for damage to or theft of exhibits. The
Library will require a waiver to be signed, as it carries no insurance to protect exhibitors in
case of loss.
EXHIBIT PUBLICITY AND RECEPTIONS
Publicity for an exhibit is the joint responsibility of the Committee and the Library’s Director
of Development and Community Outreach. As early as possible, they will determine what
publicity is appropriate, the cost, the distribution, and the division of labor in order to meet
publication deadlines and/or to allow time for the design of flyers and catalogs where money is
available.
On rare occasions receptions for shows may be held and require approval of the Dean of the
Library. They will be coordinated with the Committee and the Director of Development and
community Outreach.
APPENDIX
The CSUS Library accepts exhibits with attention to the following articles from the American
Library Association’s LIBRARY BILL OF RIGHTS.
Article I. “Books and other library sources should be provided for the interest, information,
and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be
excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.”
Article II. “Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on
current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of
partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”
Article III. “Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to
provide information and enlightenment.”
Article VI. “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public
they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs
or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”
Following the American Library Association’s guidelines, Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards,
an Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights, the CSUS library will “not censor or remove an
exhibit (or a portion of an exhibit) because some members of the community may disagree
with its content. Those who object to the content of any exhibit may submit their complaint
and/or their own exhibit proposal to be judged according to the policies.” Formal complaints
shall specify the following: the name, current address and telephone number of the
complainant, the reasons for the complaint and the facts supporting those reasons. A form is
available from the Committee for those wishing to file such a complaint. If a satisfactory
understanding cannot be reached, an appeal may be made to the University Librarian.
DOCUMENTS CONSULTED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS DOCUMENT
Kemp, Jane and Witschi, Laura, Displays and exhibits in College Libraries, Clip Note #25,
College Library Information Packet Committee, College Libraries Section, Association of
College and Research Libraries, A division of the American Library Association, Chicago,
1997.
(A compilation of Library exhibit policies based on a survey by the College Library
Information Packet [CLIP] Notes publishing program which provides information on
displays and exhibits in small college and university libraries).
SDSU Library, Exhibits Policy
CSU Chico, Meriam Library, Guidelines for Exhibits and Displays
CSU, Hayward, Policy and Procedures for Library Displays and Exhibits
UC, Berkeley Library, On Site Library Exhibits.
San Francisco State University, Library Administrative Manual, Exhibits Policy
California State University, Sacramento, Strategic Plan, Second Edition, fall 1998.