Display Case and Exhibit Area Policy
Arlington Public Library display cases and exhibit areas are for the primary purpose of promoting library resources and programs. The focus of these resources and programs is the advancement of reading as an educational, recreational and cultural activity.
General Regulations:
1. Community groups, organizations and individuals may be invited to loan materials for use in library displays.
2. Items and materials so loaned are considered on loan to the library for the purpose of promoting library resources and programs.
3. Library materials will be included as part of displays and exhibits.
4. Displays and exhibits will present a broad spectrum of opinion as well as a variety of viewpoints. No display will be exhibited that promotes a political cause or is commercial advertising.
5. The library assumes no responsibility for items on loan, nor can the library provide storage space for material left beyond the scheduled end of the display period.
6. Items presented for display on public bulletin boards must be for specific events on specific dates. These items must pertain to educational activities or cultural events. Commercial advertisements, business cards, or solicitation notices are not acceptable. Library staff will be responsible for mounting all presented material.
7. Only handouts and brochures from federal, state and local government agencies will be accepted for distribution to the public through library outlets.
8. Final approval for all displays and exhibits rests with the Library Director.
9. All display cases and exhibit areas are considered the property of the Arlington City government and its Library.
Procedures:
1. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring the full utilization of display spaces and exhibit areas within their section of the Library System. The intent should be that there never be an empty exhibit space.
2. Supervisors will be responsible for rotating the schedule for the development of a display or an exhibit among staff members in a work unit. At the Central Library, this responsibility will be assigned to staff in the Children’s Services Section and in the Reference Services Section. At the Branch Libraries the manager will assign staff on a rotating basis.
3. Each display or exhibit must have a theme and a title. The display or exhibit should be attractive and colorful utilizing available library items and material. All loaned items will be identified with the name of the loaner and a description of the object.
4. All display placards and signs will be created by library staff.
5. Library patrons and staff will sign liability releases for personal items loaned for use. (Use the Agreement for Loan of Materials, Artifacts on Display which accompanies this policy.)
6. Library staff shall set-up and dismantle exhibits and displays or shall assist a representative of an organization in the set-up and dismantling of an exhibit or display.
7. All lenders of display items will be given a specific date by which they must retrieve all loaned materials.
8. A sign will be placed upon all public bulletin boards stating the following:
Items presented for display upon public bulletin boards must:
(a) Pertain to a specific event on specific dates.
(b) Pertain to community, educational activities, or cultural events.
(c) Be mounted only by Library staff.
9. Department petty cash may be used for the purpose of purchasing materials for the creation of a display or an exhibit. All purchases should first be approved by the employee’s supervisor.
10. Specific calendar events shall be recognized in all Departmental Sections with a display or an exhibit. These specific events will include dates pertaining to the following themes: Black History Month and/or Martin Luther King, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian-Americans, Middle Eastern, Native American, and Texas History as well as traditionally North American/northern European events. Others to consider are noted in the list below.
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Chinese New Year
February
President’s Day
Black History Month
March
Women’s History Month
Texas Independence/Fall of the Alamo
April
National Library Week
May
Asian and Pacific Americans Heritage Month
Cinco de Mayo
June/July
Summer Reading Club
Patriotism Month, including Flag Day through Independence Day and Parade
September
Hispanic Heritage Month, including Diaz y Seis
November
National Children’s Book Week
Native American History Month
Ramadan *Note: Start date changes annually - cycles on the lunar calendar (FY 2000 starts November 27 approx. ending December 27 approx.)
Eid el Fitr – *Note: Start date changes annually - cycles on the lunar calendar (FY2000 December 27 – 30)
December
Hanukkah
Christmas
Kwanza
Arlington’s Celebration of Light
Issued August 2000
