Purpose

The Parsippany-Troy Hills Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays that further the educational, informational, cultural and recreational objectives of the library.

Exhibits and displays that incorporate books and library materials are especially encouraged. The library staff may prepare exhibits and displays of materials from the library’s own collections. The purpose of these displays is to stimulate interest in books and reading and to relate library collections and services to the community.

The library recognizes its role in nurturing local talent and culture, and therefore extends its preference in scheduling exhibits and displays of local schools, civic and community groups and artists. The library also encourages exhibits and displays by collectors, crafts people and hobbyists. Other displays may be devoted to an aspect of community life, science, education, family life, local history, community accomplishments, national anniversaries or events, or traveling exhibits in various fields and areas of interest.

Community and non-profit organizations are welcome to propose exhibits and displays. Exhibits and displays that are of a commercial nature will not be accepted. Library exhibit areas are not intended for commercial or partisan use.

Length of Exhibits

Exhibit and display areas are available on a rotating monthly basis. Length of time of the exhibit may be adjusted at the library’s discretion.

Suitability

The Library Director or his or her designee shall determine the suitability of each exhibit and display by considering: the form and content of its objectives in light of the building’s facilities, the suggested audience and the exhibitor’s intention, as well as the library’s objectives. The library reserves the right to refuse to exhibit any work it considers inappropriate, unsuitable, or not in keeping with its objectives. The library is not required to give a reason for this decision. Samples of the work to be displayed should be submitted for consideration and then will be returned to the proposed exhibitor.

Liability

The library will try to protect objects on display but cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to anything exhibited. Exhibitors are advised to carry their own insurance, and such insurance should indemnify them for the entire value of the objects exhibited. Every exhibitor shall sign a release form relieving the library of responsibility for loss or damage to articles on exhibit. No liability for loss or damage can be assumed either by the library or the Township of Parsippany.

Set-Up of Displays

The exhibitor is responsible for the set-up and dismantling of the exhibit or display. The library reserves the right to ask that the exhibitor remove any materials it deems inappropriate, unsuitable or inconsistent with its objectives once the display has been set up. The library need not provide a reason for this request.

Names of exhibitors may be displayed and information on how to contact the exhibitor may be made available to the public. Prices should not be attached to the foreground of any article on display. The library staff is not responsible for the sale of works on display. However, they may refer patrons interested in purchasing work on display to the artist.

Permanent Exhibition

The library cannot accept as gifts any objects if the condition of acceptance requires permanent exhibition of such objects. Fundamentally, the library believes that all exhibits should be changed from time to time to maintain interest.

Community Information and Counter Space

Limited space is available for announcements of cultural events, civic programs, civic and government job openings and similar announcements. Except for the library itself and its support groups, organizations and individuals are not permitted to place in the library any receptacle which solicits monetary donations. The library will not display materials which advocate a political or religious cause. Likewise, it will not display for profit advertisements. However, materials announcing not for profit community events such as craft fairs, festivals, carnivals, book sales and other programs sponsored by local educational, religious or fraternal organizations may be displayed, provided that there is room and such announcements are reasonable in size and format. Such materials will be subject to the same acceptance standards as other exhibits.
The library subscribes to the Library Bill of Rights: Exhibit Spaces and Bulletin Boards adopted July 2, 1991, by the American Library Association Council. It recognizes that libraries are forums for information and ideas, and believes that intellectual freedom is essential in a democratic society. Exhibits will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation, nor proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Exhibition within the library in no way signifies an endorsement by the library of either the items displayed or the group sponsoring the display.

EXHIBITS AND DISPLAYS â€" PROCEDURES

Artists are invited to submit samples, a portfolio, or photographs of their work to be reviewed by the Library Director or his/her designee, who considers the following aspects: professionalism, form and size of the objects in light of the facility, relevance to the library’s objectives, and exhibit schedule.

Local artists, schools, associations are given preference, although others are considered.

If the exhibit is approved, dates are established with the exhibitor to come and set up, for the start and end of the exhibition, and for the exhibitor to return to dismantle and remove the exhibit.

The exhibitor signs the Release Form.

The exhibitor is asked to put together information about the exhibit for the library. Two to four weeks in advance of the exhibition, the exhibitor provides the library with a list of the works to be displayed and information about him/herself and the work for publicity purposes. The library will arrange for newspaper publicity as well as for publicity within the library.

For works hung on the walls, the hanging and dismantling is the responsibility of the exhibitor. The exhibitor will indemnify and hold harmless the library from any damage caused by the exhibitor or the exhibit or for any damage to the exhibit, consistent with the terms of the exhibit and display agreement.

Arrangement of displays in the display case is under the supervision of a staff member.

Adopted: 12/18/00
Effective: 1/1/01