Exhibit Policy and Procedures

The Exhibits Program serves to enhance the scholarly and cultural activities of the University, promote library collections, and highlight the research and creative endeavors taking place on campus and within the community.

Proposal Process & Guidelines

The Library Exhibits Committee evaluates all exhibit proposals to determine the appropriateness of content for an academic library setting, timeliness of the exhibit, and space and security requirements. With primary consideration given to library-sponsored exhibits, the library also welcomes proposals for temporary exhibits. Priority will be given to exhibits that support specific academic courses and programs.

• Submit a proposal to the library at least 3 months and up to 1 year in advance. Articulate a clear and complete vision for the exhibit. Include an itemized list and photographs (or a URL to photographs) of the items to be displayed.
• Exhibits must be installation-ready and follow best practices for design, accessibility, and attribution. The library is unable to assist with content creation or fabrication.
• All accompanying text must be completed prior to installation, including title information, signage, 100-200 word statement of intent or purpose, acknowledgement of sponsor(s), and typed identification labels for display.
• Coordinate times for installation and deinstallation of exhibit items during regular library hours.
• Storage for items owned by the exhibitor will not be provided.
• The exhibitor assumes responsibility for contents, loss or damage. An Art Loan Agreement must be filed with UC Merced Risk Services prior to installation.

When you are ready to submit your proposal, use the following form: UC Merced Library Exhibit Proposal

Exhibit Locations

The UC Merced Library maintains a number of exhibit spaces located in the east wing of the Kolligian Library Building.

Floor 1

Floor 2

Floor 3

Floor 4

Exhibit Policies

The following general policies apply to all exhibits held within the library:

The use of copyrighted works (such as photos, songs, other graphics, etc.) without the creator’s permission is prohibited. If you are unsure if a work is copyrighted, or are concerned about such works in an exhibit, please contact us for more information.

The library cannot provide security for the exhibit at any time. All materials on display will be featured in publicly accessible areas of the library.

The library accepts no responsibility for loss or damage to exhibit materials at any time while in the library, or while in transport to or from the library.

The library does not participate in commercial sales. No prices will be displayed with items. The library will, however, make the exhibitor’s name and contact information available to the public upon request.

The library’s participation is limited to installation / deinstallation of exhibited works. The library is not responsible for drafting text or preparing labels to be included with an exhibit, nor is the library responsible for determining scope or content of exhibited materials. Prospective exhibitors must determine the nature of their exhibit, what materials are intended to be exhibited, and how the exhibit will be presented to the public prior to proposing the exhibit to the library. The library will make a reasonable attempt to assist exhibitor with arranging items within display cases.

The library does possess a limited number of exhibit mounting materials that can be used by exhibitor. These include: plastic stands (used to prop books or other materials), a wire-based hanging system (to hang framed materials along select library walls), and removable adhesives (to secure items in cases). For framed materials that will be displayed along the library walls, the following hardware is required:

• For wood frames: Screw eyes and d-rings are acceptable. Saw tooth, spring clips, or pop-in frames are NOT acceptable.
• For metal frames: Hardware that screws securely in the track is required.

Exhibitors may be required to complete an Art Loan Agreement prior to start date of exhibit.

Publicity

The library will attempt to promote exhibits via the library’s standard communication channels. These channels include, but are not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, as well as digital signage displayed throughout the library building.

Exhibitors are asked to provide the library with an exhibit, or artist, statement that can be used for publicity. Additional materials, such as an exhibitor photo and exhibitor biography, are also encouraged.

Questions? Email libraryexhibits@ucmerced.edu or call 209-228-4444.