Exhibit Policy

Public exhibits are a valuable part of UMKC Libraries’ public services outreach. They entertain, inform, educate, and, at times, promote the Libraries’ information resources and services. Exhibits provide an excellent opportunity for the Libraries to engage in collaborative projects, especially with faculty members and others in the university community.

This policy defines the philosophy and goals for public exhibits throughout the Libraries, identifies responsibility for these programs, and defines acceptance guidelines and general policies. Libraries staff involved in organizing, curating, and/or mounting exhibits are deemed to be acting within the course of official duties and under the authority of the University Libraries of the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

The display of public art is an important part of providing welcoming and pleasant facilities and enriches the Libraries’ service and outreach programs. The Libraries’ permanent art collection is not covered by this policy. For information about the Libraries Public Art Policy, contact the UMKC Libraries Administrative Office at umkcula@umkc.edu.

The Dean of University Libraries will be responsible for updating and revising this policy.

Goals

• Nourish intellectual, aesthetic, and creative growth
• Educate the university community on particular topics
• Enhance the strategic mission and development goals of the library
• Support university and/or library events, programs, symposia, activities, and accomplishments
• Promote university and community relations
• Recognize library supporters, friends, and donors

Criteria for Selection

Exhibits in the Libraries are selected with reference to the Exhibits Policy and Goals Statements. Exhibit spaces are available, in accordance with these Guidelines, to University and University-related departments, groups, and organizations, to student organizations registered with the UMKC Student Life Office, and to exhibitors sponsored by the Libraries.

The following criteria apply to exhibit proposal considerations, although not all exhibits will meet all criteria. The Libraries reserve the right to approve or reject all exhibit requests, to have final approval for the layout of the exhibit, and to make all decisions regarding length of exhibit duration, placement of the exhibit within a library, and content of publicity:

• Educational content ranging from advanced scholarly contributions to general informational value
• Relevance to library collections
• Broadness of appeal of the main theme
• Appropriateness of subject, technique, and style for intended location and audience
• Appropriateness to special events, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
• Relation to other events or exhibits in the community
• Representation of an influential movement, genre, trend, or national culture
• When the topic is controversial, an objective presentation is required
• Does not promote the partisan political, religious, or social doctrines of any single person or group
• Reflects vitality, originality, artistic expression, and experimentation
• Does not promote the financial profit of any individual, organization, or commercial enterprise
• Ease and cost of installation
• Satisfies public safety considerations, e.g. free standing displays, hands-on exhibits, etc.
• Exhibitor agrees to sign an exhibit release form with the Libraries

Exhibit Proposal Process and Forms

The library is not accepting general exhibit proposals at this time. Students may submit proposals following the Student Exhibit Guidelines.