Library Exhibits Policy

For the purposes of this document, exhibits are defined as thematic displays of materials including but not limited to books, posters, documents, art work, objects and other artifacts, that should be accompanied by written commentary or labels. The Library exhibit area is in the inner lobby of the main floor. Occasional exhibits may be mounted in other areas of the library with the approval of the Library Exhibits Team.

• In support of the mission of American University Library, the University Library welcomes non-commercial exhibits of artistic and educational material that include a library component which informs the University community about the resources, collections, and services of the University Library. Exhibits should have a clearly defined educational purpose and content.
  
  
• Priority is given to exhibits prepared by American University Library and co-sponsored by University organizations or members of the University community or which have particular relevance to the academic programs of the University.
  
  
• The Library may elect to use exhibit materials prepared by other organizations not affiliated with the University.
  
  
• The Library Exhibits Team is responsible for scheduling exhibits and coordinating their subsequent preparation and presentation.
  
  
• While the Exhibits Team will make every effort to honor scheduling commitments, the Library reserves the right to postpone, reschedule or curtail an exhibit. The Library Exhibits Team reserves the right to cancel an exhibit if it not exhibit-ready.
  
  
• The Team also consults with the library units and selects or assists in the selection of appropriate library materials for inclusion in the exhibits.
  
  
• Exhibitors are responsible for providing high-quality, exhibit-ready content with the exception of materials from library collections. Content should be accurate, based on authoritative sources, and documented with bibliographic citations. Written materials should provide context and background appropriate for a general audience and create a cohesive narrative for the exhibit.
  
  
• Responsibility for review of written materials prepared for exhibits rests with the Exhibits Team and the Assistant University Librarian for Information Services.
  
  
• The Exhibits Team will produce finished captions, labels, signs, and an exhibit comment book. Exhibitors will be responsible for providing all other materials and their costs. Within available resources, under special cirumstances, the University Library may also provide equiptment and supplies for exhibits.
  
  
• Materials provided for exhibits from organizations or indivuduals outside the University are insured as necessary by the University after the submission of a descriptive list of materials. This list should include the following information for each exhibit item: 1) description, 2) approximate value as determined by the provider of the item, 3) the owner's name and address, and 4) the length of the period the item will be on loan to the University Library.
  
  
• The University assumes no liability beyond the approximate value stated on the descriptive list of materials submitted for exhibits.
  
  
• Exhibit materials must be removed by the end date of the show. The Library does not assume liability for exhibit materials after this time.
  
  
• The exhibit of any given materials does not constitute endorsement by American University or American University Library.
  
  
• The concept of freedom of speech, as described in the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the American University Code of Conduct, is an important right which is supported by the Library.
  
  
• The Exhibit Team retains right of refusal and is not obligated to accept every exhibit offered for display. Furthermore, an exhibit may be cancelled at any stage if the exhibitors have not met the agreed upon conditions and deadlines. The University Librarian has final discretion on the selection and content of exhibits.
  
  
• The Library seeks a diversity of exhibits that reflect the curriculum and collections of the University. For that reason, exhibits will generally be scheduled no more than one year in advance and exhibiting groups may curate only one exhibit per year