SUNY Plattsburgh Policies

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SUNY Plattsburgh > Library > Instruction

Feinberg Library Exhibits Policies

Overview

Exhibits at Feinberg

Exhibit Cases

These policies apply to the two exhibit cases located on Feinberg Library's second floor:

  • Reference Area Case - Large, horizontal display case across from the Reference area (sign board
    available for this case). Dimensions: 14ft. wide x 2.5ft. high x 8" deep
  • Lobby Area Case - Horizontal display case in second-level lobby area (flat pieces only; photos, maps, etc.)
    Dimensions: Three sections, 2 and 3/4"(h) x 81"(w) each.

Goals of the Exhibit Program

Feinberg Library provides exhibit space to SUNY Plattsburgh departments, classes, and sanctioned campus organizations as part of its commitment to service to the campus community. The purpose of this program is to...

  • promote materials, services, and goals of the library, campus departments, and/or sanctioned campus organizations;
  • stimulate academic thought and conversation; and
  • create an inviting and educational setting for library patrons.

Exhibit Committee

The Exhibit Program is managed by the Feinberg Library Exhibit Committee, which reports to the Library Information Outreach Unit. The Exhibit Committee has the following responsibilities:

  • To solicit proposals for short-term exhibits in the library
  • To make determinations whether to accept or reject exhibit proposals based on the criteria outlined in the section "Exhibit Content" below
  • To coordinate scheduling, installation, and removal of exhibits
  • To manage the exhibit supplies budget
  • To plan library exhibits other than those scheduled by campus departments, classes, or sanctioned organizations.

Exhibit Content

Feinberg Library affirms 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 the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.."

Feinberg Library also supports the American Library Association's recommendations for Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries, which states that "Freedom of information and of creative expression should be reflected in library exhibits and in all relevant library policy documents."

Feinberg Library is committed to academic freedom--no censorship of exhibit materials will be imposed by the library. However, materials that are judged by the Exhibit Committee and the Dean of Library and Information Services (LIS) to be defamatory, willfully false, obscene, blasphemous, inciting racial hatred, or discriminatory based on existing college guidelines will not be approved.

Additionally, library spaces may not be used for commercial or political purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising.

The library does not necessarily endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of topics which may be the subject of library exhibits, whether library-initiated or sponsored by an individual or group.

Concerns Regarding Publicly Displayed Exhibits

  • Concerns regarding publicly displayed exhibits should be sent in writing to the Dean of LIS.
  • The exhibitor/s will be provided with an opportunity to respond to the concerns.
  • The Exhibit Committee, in consultation with the Dean of LIS will formulate a written response to all exhibit concerns received in writing.

Supplies and Library Materials

Exhibitors may make use of library materials in exhibits. All library materials used in exhibits must be approved by the Exhibit Committee and must be checked out to the exhibiting group at the Circulation Desk.

The Exhibit Committee has some supplies available. Contact Exhibit Committee Convener for more information about supplies.

Responsibility for Materials

Feinberg Library does not provide insurance for exhibited materials and is not responsible for theft, loss, or damage to materials in exhibits.

Exhibiting groups are responsible for removal of materials at the end of the approved exhibit period.

Exhibiting groups may provide brochures, flyers, or other handouts with exhibits and are responsible for the maintenance of these materials.

Exhibits in the library are not to be used for sales of any kind.

The Exhibit Committee may photograph exhibits for public announcements, including on the Feinberg Library web pages.

Application and Scheduling

Feinberg Library is the sole authority for use of its exhibit cases. Use the Exhibit Application Form to request use of a library exhibit case and to schedule an exhibit. This form should be received a minimum of one month prior to the planned display.

Feinberg Library reserves first right to use of its exhibit cases. Therefore, the Exhibit Committee reserves the right to delay a requested exhibit if the library already has one planned for the requested time period.

The library cannot guarantee space and will reserve it on a first-come, first-served basis.

No group is guaranteed regular use of an exhibit case.

Exhibits are scheduled to remain in place for at least one month and no longer than one semester.

Exhibits may be installed and/or removed Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:30pm. Arrangement for weekend times may be accommodated for special circumstances.

Installation and Removal

Exhibiting groups are responsible for installation and removal of their exhibits, and for providing the following information:

  • The name of a contact person in case of questions
  • Clear identification of the exhibit's sponsor, visible in the display case.

Notes

Some ideas, words, and phrases in these policies are borrowed with permission from the following

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact:

Elin O'Hara-Gonya, Associate Librarian
Office: Feinberg 323
Phone: (518) 564-5187
E-mail: oharaea@plattsburgh.edu