DISPLAY AND EXHIBIT POLICY RATIONALE
In keeping with the library’s educational, informational, and recreational purposes and mission, the Holmes County District Public Library believes it is important to provide access to a wide range of news and views in easily accessible formats. Such information may be in the form of free brochures, fliers, notices or posters, or displays and exhibits.
BASIC POLICIES
Limited space for general informational literature and for exhibits and displays is available to organizations engaged in intellectual, charitable, civic, cultural, educational and recreational activities. However, materials from for-profit groups, companies, organizations or individuals are not accepted unless they relate to a non-profit activity. When space is limited, preference may be given to local organizations and events. The term “literature” is used in this policy to refer to all materials or items left for display regardless of the medium.
GENERAL INFORMATIONAL LITERATURE Materials of public interest from non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies may be displayed, distributed in the library where space is available. The primary purpose of such literature must be to inform the public of the organization’s programs, services and events. Literature not permitted for display or distribution includes commercial advertising, brand-name or home sale items; business cards and material aimed at soliciting members, requesting donations, raising funds, or selling merchandise. Exceptions include cultural organizations (ballet, local non-profit societies, theater, etc.) and special event fliers for local non-profit organizations (a pancake breakfast to benefit youth baseball for example).
PROCEDURE FOR GENERAL INFORMATIONAL LITERATURE The Administrative Assistant will receive all materials and determine how, where and if it will be displayed or distributed. The quantity of literature displayed in or distributed from any location and the length of time it remains on display is at the discretion of the library. Fliers and posters submitted for display will not be returned.
ELECTION LITERATURE Information about all issues and campaigns is welcome. Due to space limitations, all political material may not be displayed, but the library will have on file voter information and campaign literature about political candidates appearing on local ballots on an equal basis. The library assumes no responsibility for notifying candidates or campaign committees that do not provide the appropriate campaign information to the library. Prior to each election, campaign literature relating to ballot issues may be placed in the library for display and distribution to the public. If there is formal opposition to a ballot issue, equal consideration will be given. All literature related to candidates and issues will be cleared off before the polls close on Election Day.
PETITIONS Petitions may not be displayed nor signatures collected in the library except for library related concerns.
EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS The Holmes County District Public Library develops displays and exhibits on a regular basis. This is done to promote use of the collection and to highlight its diversity; to bring attention to special or underused aspects of the collection; to make it easy to find information on topics of current interest; to celebrate special occasions. Such displays will, where applicable, reflect a variety of viewpoints and cultures. Permission for the public (groups or individuals) to use the library’s display space may be given for educational, artistic, and cultural materials. Displaying or exhibiting of collections or materials by the library does not necessarily indicate the library’s endorsement of the issues or events promoted by the collection of material being displayed or exhibited. Requests for display space will be considered in the order in which they are received. The following factors will also be examined: ·relevance to community needs ·suitability of physical presentation ·suitability of the subject matter ·quality of the presentation ·space requirements ·timeliness The following categories of exhibit materials are specifically excluded: * commercial exhibits * partisan political exhibits * exhibits which advocate a position on ballot issues, except for library issues. * exhibits which promote doctrinal beliefs or viewpoints
CONDITIONS OF EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS 1.) Requests and/or questions regarding displays or exhibits must be directed to the Administrative Assistant at 330-674-5972, ext. 209. 2.) Requests to use library display areas will not be accepted without completion of the Library Display Request Form. Signing this request form and subsequent approval will signify the person’s understanding of this policy and their agreement to adhere to its guidelines. 3.) Contact person(s) must notify the library 2 weeks in advance of display date. Reservations will be made for display space up to 1 year in advance. 4.) Upon request and availability, library materials, books, magazines, etc. may be provided for your display. 5.) Upon request and availability, all information placed on the community bulletin board will be stamped and dated for purposes of removal. 6.) Contact person(s) should coordinate display according to limited window space (96” length, 21” depth, 72” height). 7.) All window display items must be picked up promptly after date indicated on form. 8.) Contact person(s) will be notified by letter or telephone to confirm request upon approval. 9.) The Holmes County District Public Library assumes no insurance liability for items on display. Individuals, groups or organizations should check coverage provided by their own insurance policies. 10.) The library may request a sample of the work to be shown prior to granting a request. Library personnel will assist with the arrangement and content of the displays. In so doing, the library reserves the right to limit the size, number of items, scheduling and frequency with which an individual or group may have a display or exhibit. 11.) Exhibits cannot in any way disrupt the normal routine of the library. 12.) The exhibits and displays may include information about the exhibitor at their discretion with a sign no larger than 8 ½ by 11 inches. 13.) The Library will not sell items from the display nor will prices be allowed to be displayed, unless prior permission by the Library Director has been given. 14.) The following will be posted as part of all non-library exhibits or displays: “Exhibits are offered as a community service and do not carry the endorsement of the Holmes County District Public Library.” Display and Exhibit Policy adopted and approved by the Holmes County District Public Library Board of Trustees, February 18, 1998.