Purpose:

This policy defines the nature of the UCSB Libraries’ exhibits and the procedures governing these exhibits.

General Exhibit Cases:

The Exhibits Committee will be responsible for all exhibits displayed in the general exhibits cases currently located on the first floor of the Davidson Library. In this role, the committee will either 1) plan, design, and install exhibits; or 2) approve and facilitate exhibits by other library staff. The Library Administration, the chair of the Exhibits Committee, or the Committee as a whole, may request changes to exhibits when necessary. Committee members will include library staff with an expertise or interest in library exhibits.

Other Exhibit Areas:

The Head of Special Collections will be responsible for exhibits housed in Special Collections and in the Special Collections cases in the “New Books” area. The Head of the Arts Library will be responsible for exhibits in the Arts Library.

Selection Criteria for Exhibits:

• Exhibits are designed to showcase UCSB Libraries holdings and will primarily contain materials from its collections. Non-library materials are included only upon request of library staff curating the exhibits.
• Topics should be educational and of interest to the broad university community.
• Exhibits may be tied into an event, but are not to be promotional in nature.
• If topics are controversial, a balanced and objective position should be presented.
• Library staff will create exhibits. Exhibits from outside groups are not eligible. However, when approved by the Exhibits Committee, library staff can create an exhibit in cooperation with campus or community groups.
• The library retains the right to approve or disapprove all exhibit requests.

Guidelines for Installing General Exhibits:

• General exhibits will be limited to the exhibit cases in the main hallway of the first floor.
• Exhibits must fit into the display cases provided. Free-standing exhibits are not acceptable due to fire safety and accessibility issues.
• Exhibits will be temporary, with a new exhibit for each quarter.
• Exhibits will be presented in an aesthetically appealing and professional manner.
• Exhibits will address an overall theme with appropriate text to supplement the materials exhibited.
• Library materials that are not from the general circulating collection will be used at the discretion of the appropriate department head.
• All efforts will be made to prevent damage to exhibited materials.
• All library materials used in exhibits will be checked out to the Exhibits Committee. If recalled by a library patron during the exhibit period, these materials will be removed from the exhibit.
• Non-library materials are displayed at the owner’s risk. While the cases are locked and within sight of the Reference/Information Desk, the library does not take responsibility for the security or welfare of materials in the exhibits cases.
• With approval of the Exhibits Committee chair, handouts or supplementary materials may be included with exhibits.

Questions and Concerns:

If you have any questions about this policy, send a feedback form by clicking on the Comments link at the bottom of any Infosurf web page. You may also contact Marilyn Moody, AUL for Information and Research Services, at moody@library.ucsb.edu.