Library Exhibit Policy
Purpose
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. The Exhibits program involves the academic community in a visual learning experience that is informative and educational in nature and reflects the diversity in the university’s curriculum and student body. The Robert E. Kennedy Library Administration Office manages and approves exhibits.
Library Exhibition Policies
All exhibits are subject to the following conditions:
- Exhibits shall stimulate library users’ educational and cultural interests and must reflect and uphold the university’s mission statement. The purpose of library-sponsored exhibits is to acquaint the faculty and students with the library’s services, collections, the library’s role in the curriculum, and the activities of the university. Exhibits supporting the library’s goals and curricular goals of academic programs will be given priority.
- Exhibits shall affirm 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."
- Exhibits shall comply with campus policies on Freedom of Expression.
- Library Administration shall determine if a proposed exhibit is physically appropriate for the library setting.
- The University and the Library is not responsible for the security of exhibit items.
Kennedy Library Display Cases
Proposals for exhibits using the library’s display cases are reviewed throughout the year. Exhibits in cases are displayed on average of four weeks.
- Individuals/groups must submit proposals in writing describing the exhibit.
- Proposals must be submitted at least four weeks in advance of the desired exhibition date.
- If the exhibit has been shown before, the proposal should include the dates and places of prior exhibition.
- Exhibition proposals will be kept on file in the Dean’s Office for a minimum of two years.
- Proposals are evaluated for their appropriateness, educational content, and timeliness.
- Any costs incurred are the responsibility of the exhibitor.
- Exhibits must include the following disclaimer, “This exhibit was produced by (Name of the Organization). The views are of the organization represented and do not necessarily represent those of the library/university.” In addition, there must be a sign in the display case with the name of the group and contact person/number. Failure to provide this information will result in the exhibit being removed.
Kennedy Library Exhibit Preparation Procedures
Once an exhibit proposal has been accepted, the individual/group will meet with the Dean’s Administrative Assistant to determine:
- Specific dates
- Installation and removal schedule
- Specifics about the exhibit items
- Installation design
Learning Commons Gallery
The Learning Commons in the Kennedy Library provides exhibition space (Gallery at the Commons) for student projects that combine technology, scholarly and artistic expression.
Gallery at the Commons Exhibition Policies
- Eligible exhibitions make use of all three services provided by the Learning Commons partners:
- Robert E. Kennedy Library (LIB) delivers information resources and consultation
- Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) offers learning theory consultation
- Information Technology Services (ITS) provides enabling technology
- Exhibitions are approved by Learning Commons Partners and must have been completed during the quarter prior to the exhibition date.
- Exhibitions must provide a tangible example of the role that the Learning Commons' resources played in the project, which in turn serves as a showcase for the successful use of these resources.
- College Librarians provide project management for the student exhibition, ensuring coordination with academic faculty and library colleagues and seeing the project through from conception to strike.
- The Learning Commons shall exhibit one project per quarter; exceptions shall be determined by space and staff availability.
- Exhibitions must contain tangible materials to exhibit (as opposed to digital objects).
- Cal Poly and the Learning Commons Partners are not responsible for the security of material on exhibit.
- Exhibitions for the Gallery at the Commons must also adhere to the Robert E. Kennedy Library’s Exhibit Policies.
