Displays and Exhibits Policy

DISPLAYS AND EXHIBITS

Display and exhibit space within the Barton County Library System is used for sharing educational, artistic, and other informational materials that promote learning and interest in the use of books and other library resources. Displays may also share information about local events and organizations. Library staff have the primary responsibility for developing displays and exhibits using library resources.

Displays of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. Exhibits that are related to public events and timely topics may also be scheduled. Announcements for civic programs or local organizations, in the form of posters and flyers, may be displayed in the Library, if space is available, by permission of the branch supervisor. Works by commercial or professional artists may be exhibited but not sold in the Library. Library staff and/or Library Director shall accept or reject material offered for display based on its suitability and availability. The Library Director may also exclude other items if they are determined to be illegal or would pose a health or safety hazard to library patrons

Items for display must be tastefully done and subject matter should be suitable for viewing by the general public. Displays intended for a specific age group will only feature materials drawn from the corresponding collections. Displays with a possible age specific sensitivity will be limited to adult areas of the Library. No age-inappropriate materials in any form, as defined in the Library’s Collection Development Policy, will knowingly be displayed in the library in areas designated by the library as containing materials predominantly for minor children. This statement is required by 15 CSR 30-220.015 Library Certification Requirement for the Protection of Minors, subsection (d).

The Library will take reasonable care to ensure the safety and security of items displayed, however the library has no insurance to cover loss, damage, or theft. Exhibitors are encouraged to obtain insurance for items of value and will be required to sign a form releasing the Library from liability. Items not removed as scheduled will be removed by staff and secured for 30 days. After 30 days, unclaimed items will be disposed of.

Exhibits that are solely for commercial purposes, including the sale of goods and services, will not be considered. Exhibits may not include speech that is not constitutionally protected or material that would violate election laws if the library is being used as a polling site. No materials, leaflets, or posters which advocate the election of a candidate, political or otherwise, shall be displayed at the Library.

No organization or individual not associated with the work of the Library shall be permitted to place on library property any receptacle which solicits donations. The Library will not display or exhibit advertisements for any “for profit” business or enterprise, nor shall any poster or display be permitted which advocates or solicits consideration of any product or item sold by any commercial or charitable enterprise. No petitions will be allowed. Tickets may not be sold on library property except for library related events.

Display or exhibit of items in the Library does not indicate endorsement of the subjects, events, items, or services included in the display. Organizations that are denied the use of exhibit areas or display cases may appeal the decision to the Board of Trustees. If a patron questions a library display or exhibit, he/she should address the concern with a staff member. If that concern is not satisfied through discussion with staff, a formal, written Request for Reconsideration (See Appendix I) of a program may be submitted to the Library Director.