Library Exhibits Policy

Purpose:

This policy defines the nature of the UCSB Library's exhibits and the procedures governing these exhibits.

Scope:

Under the direction of the Assistant University Librarian for Outreach and Academic Collaboration, the UCSB Library Exhibits Committee plans and oversees a rotating roster of exhibits in the UCSB Library that showcase Library holdings and collections and/or enhance the cultural and intellectual life of the University and the larger community. In particular, the UCSB Library is committed to presenting a high-quality exhibits program that supports the teaching and research mission of the University. Preference is given to exhibits that connect to the UCSB curriculum, faculty and student research, campus organizations and events, and/or current events. The Exhibits Committee is responsible for all exhibits displayed in the UCSB Library.

Committee:

The Exhibits Committee is comprised of Library employees and charged with overseeing all exhibits in the Library, including making procedural decisions related to exhibit spaces, content, installation, and security; reviewing and approving exhibit proposals; seeking out exhibit ideas and partners; creating an exhibits calendar; and managing exhibit supplies and resources.

Exhibit Areas:

The following areas are the current and approved exhibit areas in the UCSB Library.

Davidson Library

  • 1st Floor Display Cases
  • 1st Floor “Gallery” (Reference pit)
  • 1st Floor “Art Wall” (near tower elevators)
  • Special Collections
  • 3rd Floor Hall Walls

Arts Library

  • 1st Floor Display Case

The Exhibits Committee must consider any requests to display in areas not currently included in the list of exhibits areas.

See Public Space Policy (http://www.library.ucsb.edu/about-library/library-public-space-policy) for rules governing the use of Library spaces by the public, including requests to conduct performance art, display or distribute literature in or immediately in front of the Library, or book rooms for meetings or events.

Exhibit Content:

  • Exhibits are selected based on:
    • Breadth of appeal
    • Educational content
    • Timeliness to current and campus events
    • Relation of materials to the campus and wider community
    • Opportunity for presentation of companion public programming
    • Scheduling constraints. Proposed exhibits must fit into the Library planning calendar
    • Reinforcement of the Library’s strategic and development goals
    • Quality and aesthetic value
    • Thematic integrity
  • Exhibits are designed to showcase UCSB Library holdings and will primarily contain materials from its collections.
  • All exhibits are temporary.
  • The Exhibits Committee, chaired by the Assistant University Library for Outreach and Academic Collaboration, oversees and is responsible for all exhibits. The Committee makes final determinations about all exhibit content.
  • Exhibits are curated by Library staff or in cooperation with faculty, students, or campus groups.
  • The Library is committed to presenting diverse points of view and to the principles of academic freedom.
  • The Library’s primary purpose is to provide our users with access to collections and services. Exhibits may not compromise the privacy of staff and users or disrupt or harm the facility, collections, or visitors.

Exhibit Installation and Security:

  • The Library does not provide any special security in its exhibit areas, except in Special Collections, which is staffed at all times that the room is open to the public. Exhibits outside of Special Collections should not contain material of high value or unique or rare materials. Digital surrogates should be exhibited when at all possible. Artists who loan their work for exhibit in the Library are required to sign an indemnification form.
  • Exhibits must fit into the display cases and wall spaces provided. Free-standing exhibits or the addition of computer monitors or supplementary materials will need to be approved by the Exhibits Committee in consultation with the campus fire marshal.
  • Materials that are on loan from staff, faculty, students, or campus organizations are displayed at the risk of the lending party. The Library does not provide any insurance for materials on display or assume any responsibility for the loss, theft of, or damage to any materials on exhibit.

Contact:

If you have any questions about this policy, please contact Rebecca Metzger, AUL for Outreach and Academic Collaboration, at (805) 893-2674 or rmetzger [at] library [dot] ucsb [dot] edu.

Updated 4/1/13