Policy Statement
Dartmouth Libraries strive to be a welcoming, intellectual space for the entire community and encourage submissions for short-term displays that foster intellectual, social, and cultural exchange while also complying with the requirements outlined in this policy. Upon approval, short-term displays will be on view for one week in the Baker-Berry Library at the south end of Berry Main Street. Dartmouth Libraries reserve the right to accept or reject short-term display submissions based on scheduling, the Libraries' values and purpose, and the principles detailed below:
- Students and faculty must submit a proposal at least three weeks in advance of display.
- Submissions require a faculty sponsor, and preference will be given to those who have not yet exhibited during a particular term.
- Display signage must contain clear details of the faculty sponsor including their email contact, course number, and department.
- Displays must:
- Provide substantive explorations of the topic(s), including a balance of visual and textual materials;
- Contain varying perspectives, particularly for controversial topics; and
- Respect the tenets of the Dartmouth Principles of Community.
- Libraries staff reserve the right to:
- Review all exhibit content before its display;
- Liaise with students and the faculty sponsor to ascertain more information and details if there are questions or concerns about the proposed display; and
- Delay exhibiting the display if there are unanswered questions or concerns.
- Libraries staff reserve the right to remove a display if it:
- Exceeds the one-week period;
- Deviates from the accepted proposal; or
- Poses a public safety issue or potential damage to the building.
- Any displays put up in the Dartmouth Libraries without permission will be removed immediately.
With concerns about whether a display falls outside this policy, contact the faculty sponsor, the Libraries staff member designated to review exhibits, and the Library Leadership Team.
Roles and Responsibilities for Approved Displays
Libraries staff, in collaboration with the Libraries staff member designated to review exhibits, will assess short-term display submissions. Applicants of accepted submissions will be asked to consult with the Libraries staff member designated to review exhibits to review the display plan, confirm dates, and clarify the roles and responsibilities outlined below:
- The creators of the short-term display must provide all materials needed for the display.
- Displays should make every effort to be freestanding. Materials cannot be attached to the ceiling or ceiling lights. Wall space may be considered for use under certain conditions.
- Displays must be neat, organized, and professional in appearance.
- Libraries staff are not responsible for the transport, installation, maintenance, security, storage, and removal of displays.
- The Libraries cannot be held responsible for damage or theft of display materials.
- A signed copy of the application approval, including the names of the creators of the display, the faculty sponsor, and the Libraries staff co-sponsor, must be displayed at all times.
- The Libraries staff co-sponsor will work with the faculty sponsor to create supporting messaging and guidelines for Libraries staff should they encounter community concerns or questions.
- The Libraries staff member designated to review exhibits will manage the exhibit project documentation for each short-term display.