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Exhibits, Displays, and Digital Signs Policy

JMU Libraries offers exhibit spaces, book display spaces, and digital signs for use by the Libraries and by members of the JMU community. Exhibits, book displays, and digital signs are managed by the Libraries Communications & Outreach department. General questions about this policy may be directed to the Libraries’ Director of Communications & Outreach.

Criteria for Content Selection and Development

We strive to offer exhibit, display, and digital sign content that is of an educational or cultural nature, and that will be of interest to the community who uses Libraries’ spaces. In addition to those general criteria, we reserve the right to select or design content that:

We do not display content that relates to commercial activity (such as sales or fundraisers), partisan political activity, or recruitment for paid or volunteer work.

In keeping with the Library Bill of Rights and the library profession’s Code of Ethics, we endeavor to present a broad spectrum of opinion and a variety of viewpoints. Content will not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to its creation, nor will content be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. JMU Libraries does not endorse the beliefs or viewpoints of content that may be the subject of library exhibits, displays, or digital signs. We will not censor or remove an exhibit, display, or digital sign because some members of the community may disagree with its content. Anybody with feedback on the content of an exhibit, display, or digital sign may submit comments and/or their own proposal of content, to be evaluated according to these policies. Comments or proposals of additional content may be directed to the Libraries’ Director of Communications and Outreach.

Exhibits

Rose Library has a locked glass display case (approximate dimensions: 36″W x 72″L x 16″H) that can accommodate small three-dimensional exhibits. Materials are generally displayed for one month. JMU groups or community groups that wish to use the space must submit a description of the exhibit about one month prior to the desired display date to the Libraries’ Director of Communications and Outreach. JMU Libraries assumes no responsibility for the physical safety of exhibit material. Any costs incurred in the creation of the exhibit are the responsibility of the sponsoring group, not JMU Libraries.

The Music Library includes The little Gallery Underground and a built-in wall exhibit case.

Special Collections also features exhibits.

Learn about the permanent collection of art and exhibits in JMU Libraries.

Library Book Displays

Shelving is available on the first floor of the Music Library, Rose Library, and JMU Libraries Express for the display of library-owned materials. Materials included in physical or virtual display may be checked out at any time.

JMU groups, clubs, or departments may request special thematic displays of books. Those interested in requesting a book display theme should contact the Outreach Coordinator. Book display themes are planned in the summer for the following academic year, and the schedule is confirmed by mid-August.

Once displays are scheduled, the Outreach Coordinator will contact selectors with a timeline for their particular display and procedures for selecting a display. Selectors for book displays are responsible for creating an item list, developing a title and ideas for signage (sign graphics will be created for you), writing a description of the display, and working with the Libraries’ Communications and Outreach department to coordinate promotions.

Digital Signs

JMU Libraries offers digital signs that display information about the Libraries. Contact Emily Blake at blakeed@jmu.edu if you have questions about digital signs in the Libraries.

Questions?

Please visit a service desk or contact us via chat, email or phone.