Potsdam Public Library POLICY
Category: Use of Facilities
Policy Subject: Display/Exhibition
Effective Date: 11/08/00

The Library receives many requests from the community to put up displays and post advertisements or brochures in the Library. Although our display space is limited, the Library encourages use of designated space in the building for displays of general interest to the community and for promoting community related activities and/or organizations.

Exhibition Space Defined

There are two areas available to the public for displays and exhibits: the glass display case visible from the front of the library and the exhibit table in the front of the library. Additionally, there is a bulletin board in the lobby. All other library space will be reserved for use by the library as the director sees fit.

Rules for Use of Exhibition Space

• The following conditions apply to all displays, exhibits, advertisements, brochures or other informational material:
• As an educational and cultural institution the Potsdam Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information and enlightenment to the community.
• Educational, cultural, civic, and governmental groups may reserve the exhibit areas for use when no admission charge is made.
• Organizations or individuals sponsoring an educational program of a non-profit nature will be permitted to use the exhibit areas, provided such exhibits are open freely to the general public.
• Purely commercial use of the exhibit space is prohibited.
• The Library Board reserves the right to reject any display or item, which in the judgment of the library administration is illegal or which may interfere with the normal operation of the library.
• The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items place in the Library are done so at the owner's risk.
• Library sponsored displays are given priority in allocating the display.

Rules for the Use of the Bulletin Board

• No poster, display, exhibit, pamphlet, brochure, leaflet or booklet shall be posted to the bulletin board or exhibited/placed in the Library for distribution without permission from the Director or his/her representative.
• Space permitting, the Library will post announcements of the cultural activities of the community and public announcements of general interest to the community.
• Purely commercial use of the bulletin board space is prohibited.

Exhibition Materials and Bulletin Board Postings: Content Issues & Policies

• This policy will be in support of article six of the American Library Association Bill of Rights: "Libraries should make exhibit spaces available to the public they serve and should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." (Adopted January 23, 1980 by ALA Council).
• The utilization of exhibit space by any group or individual shall not imply endorsement or approval by the Potsdam Public Library. A disclaimer so stating shall appear in the display area. Each display will have a card indication who prepared it and who to contact for information.
• In all instances the Library reserves the right to refuse any item for display it considers in bad taste or of doubtful value.

Exhibition Materials and Bulletin Board Postings: Objections

Materials will not be prescribed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. The Library will not censor or remove a display, exhibit, or item solely because some members of the community may disagree with its content. Individuals who object to a particular display, exhibit, or item should complete a "request for a Reconsideration" form. Request for reconsideration will be answered in writing by the Potsdam Public Library administrative staff. Should a complainant wish to appeal the decision, he/she may address the full Library Board at its regular meeting. All correspondence regarding a reconsideration request should be addressed to the Library Director

Exhibition Materials and Bulletin Board Postings: Procedure

• Each individual or group will be required to complete a release form, kept at the Reference Desk.
• Reservations may be taken up to 12 months in advance, and are booked on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• No exhibit may be on display for a period exceeding 60 days and no group may reserve exhibit space more than twice in one calendar year without prior approval by the library administration. Cancellations of scheduled exhibits must be received in writing one week in advance.
• The Library Director may restrict viewing hours for special exhibits.
• All handiwork shall be submitted ready for exhibit. The library will not furnish construction paper, letters, or other supplies. Adhesives may not be applied to the walls.
• The Library staff will not provide assistance in setting up or taking down displays. People and organizations using the facilities shall eave it neat, clean, and in orderly condition.
• Groups will remove displays at the agreed time

Exhibit

I have read the above policy and agree to accept its terms.

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Library Director

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