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LIBRARY DISPLAYS POLICY

The Board of Trustees of the San Miguel County Public Library District #1, Wilkinson Public Library, adopts and makes public the following Displays Policy to guide Library staff and to inform the public about the principles upon which Library displays are developed and maintained.

The Board Outcomes of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Access, Collection, Programs, Digital Literacy, Youth Services, Space and Community Engagement guide the library staff in the selection of materials for library displays.

Community Bulletin Board & Brochure Rack

For public notices of community interest, a community bulletin board and a brochure rack is available in the Library lobby. These are intended to promote local non-profit, advocacy, and/or civic organizations sponsoring charitable, cultural, educational, and/or recreational events and to profit-making groups sponsoring these types of events in the public interest. Political material, religious tracts, items for sale or rent, or lost pets do not meet display criteria. Permission is not required to post an item, and materials may be removed at the discretion of Library staff. Materials will be discarded when the information is no longer current, therefore persons wishing to reclaim posted material must let Library staff know in advance. Posted content does not constitute an endorsement by the Library.

Displays

The Library displays materials from its own collection to provide exhibits on a variety of topics, appealing to the diverse interests and concerns of the community. Collection Displays complement Library
collections, services and programs. The planning and scheduling of such displays and the decision as to which materials and posters will be included is entirely at the discretion of Library staff.

Guidelines for Selection and Design of Library Displays

Library displays provide a responsive connection between the community’s needs and the Library’s collections, information technology, and diverse programming. Library displays inform and enrich the lives of people of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Library displays are planned, organized, and/or implemented by Library staff. Library staff use the following criteria in making decisions about display topics, materials, and accompanying resources:

  • Community needs and interest
  • Availability of display space
  • Historical or educational significance
  • Connection to other community or national programs, days/celebrations exhibitions, or events
  • Relation to library collections, resources, exhibits, and programs

In addition, the Library draws upon other community resources in developing displays and exhibits, and may partner with other community agencies, organizations, educational institutions, or individuals to develop and present co-sponsored displays and exhibits. The Library will strive to include a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints in Library-initiated displays and exhibits, as well as offer displays and exhibits that appeal to a range of ages, interests, and information needs. The Library does not accept responsibility for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single display. Library displays and exhibits should not exclude topics, books, media, and other resources solely because they may be considered to be controversial. Acceptance of a display or exhibit topic by the Library does not constitute an endorsement by the Library of the content of the display or exhibit, or of the views expressed in materials on display.

Reconsideration of Display

Any community member has the right to request reconsideration of content in Library displays. Appeals to this policy or reconsideration of a display may be submitted via the Request for Reconsideration form.

Steps in a Reconsideration Request

  1. Individual(s) completes the Reconsideration Request form and attaches any published reviews available
    of the material in question.
  2. Submits form to the Library Director.
  3. Library Director, in consultation with Library staff , will review the request and the material in question
    to consider whether the selection follows criteria stated in the Library Displays Policy.
  4. Within 15 days, the Library Director will notify the individual(s) in writing of the decision and state the
    reasons for the decision.
  5. The material will remain on display and be available to the public during the reconsideration process.

Steps in a Reconsideration Appeal

  1. Individuals not satisfied with the decision of the Director, within 10 days of receiving the decision, may
    request a meeting before the District’s Board of Trustees by making a written request to the President of
    the Board.
  2. Upon receipt of the request, the Board may make the request an agenda item and the individual(s) will
    be notified of the time and place of the Board meeting. The Board reserves the right to limit the length of
    presentation and number of speakers at the meeting.
  3. After hearing from the person(s) making the reconsideration request, the Board will determine whether
    the request for reconsideration has been handled in accordance with stated policies and procedures of the
    District, will review the background information provided by the Library staff, will review the position of
    the patron and will also review the decision of the Director.
  4. Based on the information presented, the Board may vote to uphold or override the decision of the
    Director. The decision of the Board is final.

Printable Reconsideration Request

 

Date Approved: 10/26/2000
Approved by: Wilkinson Public Library Board of Trustees
Date Amended/Modified: 06/12/2007; 07/12/2012; 03/15/2023