ERIE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
LIBRARY RESOURCE CENTER
 

POLICY ON EXHIBIT AND DISPLAY AREAS

IN THE ECC LIBRARIES

1.  The purpose of exhibits in the ECC libraries is to inform our clients about library services and 

     collections; campus/college services and events; and local, national, or global events or issues.

2.  The ECC Libraries subscribe to the Library Bill of Rights of the American Library Association,

     section 2 of which reads:

                        “Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all

                        points of view on current and historical issues.  Materials should not

                        be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.”

     and section 6 of which reads:

                        “Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to

                        the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable

                        basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups

                        requesting their use.”

Therefore, displays in the ECC libraries will reflect the diverse cultures, opinions, and philosophies of the groups or individuals proposing such displays.

The presence of exhibits in any of the ECC libraries in no way implies an endorsement of the ideas, viewpoints, or philosophies contained therein by the faculty, staff, administration, or students of ECC.  The library welcomes suggestions concerning exhibits, but is not obliged to accept exhibit ideas from any person or group.

3.  When displays are created by library personnel, every effort will be made to show a balance of

      content, especially with potentially controversial issues.

4.  Exhibit and display areas in the ECC libraries can be utilized by college and community groups

     and individuals on a space available basis.  The librarian in charge of exhibits on each campus

     will make that determination.

5.  Displays proposed by groups other than campus library personnel may be restricted by the

     librarian in charge of exhibits as to time limits such displays can be on exhibit.  Every effort

     will be made by this librarian to provide fairness in time limits.

6.  Neither the library nor the college is responsible for the security of materials not owned by the

     library which have been placed on exhibit.

7.  Challenges about the content of exhibits in the library will go before a campus review committee

     for consideration.  Challenge forms for the purpose of lodging a formal challenge can be

     obtained at each campus library circulation desk.  No action to remove a display – in whole or in

     part – will occur until the formal challenge is registered and a recommendation results from the

     campus review committee.