Display Cases

The Liberal Arts Campus Library has two display cases: each one measures 6-feet wide, 4-feet 9-inches high, and 1-foot deep. The two cases open through front-sliding glass panels, which are kept locked. The east case is reserved for Library displays. When the Library has not reserved the west case, it may be reserved by individuals or organizations outside of the Library, provided that they first receive formal approval.

Duration of Exhibits

During the Academic Year, new exhibits are generally mounted on a monthly basis. During the summer session, the Library may elect to retain the same exhibit.

Security

Both cases are locked with a device that is operated with a key. While the Library has put into place security measures to protect exhibit materials, the Library does not assume responsibility for the preservation, protection, or theft or any item displayed or posted. Non-Library exhibitors agree to display material at their own risk.

Origin and Themes of Exhibits

The Library department head, or a designated librarian, is responsible for coordinating exhibits. In general, exhibits originate from within the Library or the College. Individuals or groups from outside the College may mount an exhibit, as long as the theme and content meet the criteria described below and an individual or organization, identified as having a connection with the College, sponsors it.

Criteria

The Library mounts exhibits that support the following objectives:

1. To promote and publicize Library resources
2. To support the curriculum or instructional programs or encourage personal enrichment
3. To reflect themes that are of interest to the community

Guidelines

Exhibits must be related directly to the College curriculum, instructional programs, or otherwise be of a nature suitable for exposure in a college environment. Display content must meet the following guidelines:

1. Exhibits promote the development of knowledge, literary appreciation, or aesthetic values.
2. Subject matter is presented objectively. If a topic is of a controversial nature, the Library adheres to the American Library Association's Bill of Rights on Exhibits, pursuant to Article I, which states,
   • Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
   • Article II, which states, materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
   • And Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be made available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
3. Library materials will inform most exhibits. When that is not the case, however, such as in the case of a community program like Long Beach Reads One Book, the exhibit should include "tie-ins" to Library materials. The exhibit, in other words, should display relevant Library materials, as well as a sign indicating where one might browse library shelves in order to find additional materials.
4. No commercial displays—that is, those whose sole purpose it is to sell a service or product—are permitted. Furthermore, display of items offered for sale or advertisement of commercial products or services is prohibited.

Exhibits Originating Outside the Library

Any exhibit originating from outside the Library must have an identifiable College sponsor-e.g., a college student, faculty or staff member, or college group. The Library recommends that the sponsor participate in meetings between the exhibitor and the coordinating librarian to ensure compatibility with College objectives and interests.

The exhibitor is responsible for transporting exhibit items to and from the Library, furnishing pushpins, staples, background paper, and other supplies needed to mount exhibits. The exhibitor is also responsible for the actual mounting of the exhibit.

The Library reserves the right to make suggestions concerning an exhibit's format. The Library also reserves the right to remove unsuitable items, which do not adhere to the criteria described above.

Request to Mount an Exhibit in Library Cases

After obtaining approval from the librarian in charge of coordinating exhibits, an individual or group proposing an exhibit must complete the LAC Library Exhibit Request Form. Exhibit space is scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The request form is available at the Reference Desk or from the library clerk, who maintains a file of scheduled exhibits.