Exhibit Policy

The Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) is pleased to provide space for exhibits that support its mission to enrich lives, build community, and foster success by bringing people, information, and ideas together. These exhibits may be educational, cultural, civic or artistic in nature. Review the policy and request to exhibit using the documents below:

Exhibit Policy

The Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) is pleased to provide space for exhibits that support its mission to enrich lives, build community, and foster success by bringing people, information, and ideas together. These exhibits may be educational, cultural, civic or artistic in nature.

In accordance with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, JPL will make exhibit space available on an "equitable basis regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of the individuals or groups requesting their use,” subject to the policies and guidelines provided here.

Criteria for Selection

All exhibits, whether generated by library staff or the public, will be considered in terms of the standards listed below. Exhibits are not required to meet all standards.

Suitability of subject, technique and style for intended audience
Appropriateness to special events, anniversaries, holidays, etc.
Historical or regional relevance
Relevance to library programs or other events or exhibits in the community
Opportunity to promote the use of the library and library services
Representation of an influential movement, genre, trend or national culture
Significance of the contributor
Contributor’s record of previous exhibits
Interest of viewers and the public
Recency of previous library exhibits by the same artist, lender or organization
Recency of previous library exhibits of similar items or topics
Encouragement of positive community cooperation and support

The following types of exhibit material will not be accepted:

No advertisements, requests for donations, charges for viewing, or posting of prices will be permitted (city mandated or city-led events are accepted).

Commercial exhibits
Partisan political exhibits or exhibits that support the election or defeat of a political candidate
Exhibits which feature a specific religion in an exclusionary manner
Exhibits that are in violation of any laws, or are pornographic, obscene or deemed to be derogatory or offensive to civil standards

JPL reserves the right to reject any exhibit in whole or in part for violation of any of these criteria.

Approval Authority. The ultimate responsibility for approval of exhibits in the library lies with the Director according to these guidelines as approved by the Library Board of Trustees. In practice, this authority may be delegated.

Endorsement. Permission to use a space does not constitute an endorsement of the content of the exhibit or the views expressed by the exhibitor.

Reconsideration of Exhibits.The Library welcomes expression of opinion by customers about exhibits, but will be governed by this policy in making changes to or removal of exhibits or portions of exhibits. Customers who request the reconsideration of an exhibit will be asked to complete the Jacksonville Public Library Request for Review of an Exhibit.

After review, the Director, or designee, will communicate a decision and the reason for it, in writing, to the customer who initiated the request for reconsideration.

In the event that the customer who initiated the request is not satisfied with the decision, he or she may present a written appeal of the decision to the Director and the Board of Library Trustees. The Director and the Board of Library Trustees will communicate a decision and the reason for it in writing.

Exhibitors must follow these guidelines:

Application. A completed and signed Request to Exhibit form must be submitted. Following review, a written confirmation or declination will be sent from JPL.
Library Materials. Whenever possible, exhibits shall incorporate library materials related to the topic of the display. These materials are selected and arranged by library staff.
Security/Liability. Exhibits will be given reasonable care and protection within the limits of the usual operation of each library. Library staff or city-subsidized security services are not available to monitor or secure the exhibit/display. In signing the Request to Exhibit form the exhibitor releases the Library from any responsibility for loss or damage to works on display, or during set-up, breakdown, or while being transported to or from the library.
Placement of Exhibit and Other Limitations. Exhibit location will be determined by the library. Suitability for viewing by minors may factor into location of exhibit. Exhibits must be confined to their designated space and not exceed the standard capacity of the display furniture or equipment provided.
Responsibility for Installation/Dismantling. The exhibitor is responsible for the installation and dismantling of the display when the library is open. Exhibit installations will be completed 24 hours in advance of the planned opening for review by library staff.
Damages to Library Property. Exhibitors causing damage from exhibiting works will be billed for repairs as the trustees of the library determine necessary. Wall hangings will only be approved at locations with equipment designed for this purpose or if the exhibitor provides an acceptable alternative.
Precedence of JPL’s Facility Needs. The Library's need for exhibit space takes precedence over the public's request to use such areas.
Changes to Agreement. Conditions or provisions in this policy can only be waived or altered by written mutual agreement of the authorizing personnel and the exhibitor.
Itemized List of Exhibit Materials. Each exhibitor must complete an Exhibit Loan Receipt listing all pieces displayed. The exhibitor, working with the appropriate library staff, must sign again when the display is dismantled, verifying that all materials have been returned.
Permission to Photograph. Objects on display may be photographed and reproduced for the Library’s publication or media publicity for the Library or for the exhibit itself.Organizations or individuals that violate the terms of this policy risk the removal of their exhibit and may be refused future use of the exhibit space.