Library Displays, Exhibits, Art, and Events
Library Displays, Exhibits, Art, and Events
This page outlines the policies and procedures for hosting a display or event in Saint Albert Hall Library.
You may propose a display or event in the link at the bottom of the page
Policy
The primary goal of the exhibit/event program is to complement the mission of the Library, which states that, among several purposes, it exists to “...provide members of the College community a place for interaction, consultation, study and reflection.” The exhibit program also complements the mission of the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, which is “...to serve as an educational resource that enhances the appreciation, enjoyment and understanding of the visual arts in the Saint Mary’s College community and surrounding area.” Exhibits, wall art and events will support academic and co-curricular programming and enhance the College’s learning environment.
Guidelines and Procedures
Suggestions for exhibits and/or events and requests for space should be made as far in advance as possible. To reserve exhibit/event space, it is necessary to complete a “Proposal for Library Exhibits/Events/Banner Posting” form, available on the Library website. Exhibits and events must be approved in advance by the library staff, based on the general guidelines described below.
Exhibit Space Reservation Policy
- Exhibit/event should relate to curricular or co-curricular activities at Saint Mary’s College.
- Exhibits in cooperation with local community organizations and events may also be considered.
- Exhibit spaces are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to library- sponsored or mission-relevant events.
- Exhibits are reserved on a month-to-month basis and generally up to a single month.
- Proposals for displays and exhibits must be made through the Proposal Form
Exhibit Content
- Materials should be of visual interest and neat appearance
- Exhibitor is responsible for the installation of the exhibit and will provide supplies and materials. The Library can provide a limited supply of exhibit aides such as push pins, construction paper and book stands to mount the exhibit.
- Event Sponsor is responsible for arranging all set-ups for events, e.g., chair and table set-up, podium and sound system if needed, food set-up and post-event clean-up.
- All Library collections included in the exhibit must first have their status changed to 1st Floor Display.
- Exhibitor provides one or more explanatory text panels, typeset or laser-printed in at least 18- point type, and a title panel in at least 72-point type, both mounted on mat board or foam board, if possible. High quality calligraphy is also an option for titles.
- Students and student groups must have a faculty or staff advisor for any exhibit. Students and student groups who wish to exhibit material that is not directly related to academic programing or the College’s learning environment should be directed to Student Involvement and Leadership for alternative display options.
Dispute Resolution
The SMC Library supports academic freedom and the free expression of opinion. We do not exercise any censorship of materials such as books, images, labels, catalogs, or promotional literature. The Library subscribes to the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights as it applies to exhibit spaces and bulletin boards, specifically:" Articles II, III, and VI.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Challenges of a display, exhibit, or printed materials posted or displayed in the SMC Library may be submitted in writing to the Exhibit Coordinator, Head of Access Services. The Exhibit Coordinator will review the dispute with the Dean of Library and Academic Resources and respond to written statements as follows:
- The individual will be notified that the Library has received his/her written statement of concern.
- A review process will be conducted in a timely manner by Library Administration in response to an individual's statement of concern.
- While a concern is being considered, there will be no change in the status of the display, exhibit, or printed materials.
- Upon completion of the review process, the Exhibit Coordinator will notify the individual of the Library’s decision.
- The individual may appeal the decision to the Dean of Library and Academic Resources.
Exhibit Installation/Removal, Security and Marketing
- Installation and removal need to take place during times agreed upon with Library staff.
- Locks are available for most cases. The Library’s circulation staff will assist with access to the exhibit cases and will provide locks to secure the collection.
- All content of the exhibit/event, marketing and promotion are the responsibility of the exhibitor/event sponsor and not Library staff, although collaborations, if agreed to in advance, are welcome.
- All exhibit materials and items used to mount the exhibit should be removed during de-installation and cases restored to their pre-existing condition.
Exhibit/Event Space Descriptions and Dimension
See slideshow for photos and dimensions of display spaces
Conference Room: Availability must be checked, and booking scheduled, with Monica Axelrode (mca6@stmarys-ca.edu)
Food may be catered or purchased by event sponsor. All food and drink must remain in the Conference Room and be removed at event’s end by the event sponsor. Maximum capacity is 35.
Please contact the Exhibits Coordinator, Shannon Meaney-Ryer, at (925) 631-4267 or smm20@stmarys-ca.edu, with any questions.