In furthering its educational mission, the University Library maintains a program of exhibits and displays. The content and workmanship of exhibits should be of high quality in keeping with Cal Poly Humboldt's vision & values, and must showcase relevant Library collections, resources and services, or Cal Poly Humboldt curriculum. The Library supports all campus and community groups’ right to express their opinions, and aims to create a safe place for appropriate display of controversial topics. However, exhibits in the Library are prepared by and reflect the opinions, interests, and efforts of individual University persons or organizations or members of the wider community. No official University or Library endorsement is expressed or implied. Please note that questions and/or concerns will be directed to the exhibit sponsor or Dean of Students.

EXHIBITS POLICY AND PROCEDURES

• Displays are for a maximum of two weeks, beginning on a Tuesday at 8:00am and ending on a Monday at 3:00pm. Displays are to be installed and disassembled between the hours of 8:00am and 5:00pm Monday-Friday; keys are available from the Library Administration Office or at the Checkout Desk.
• Unless approved by the Library Dean, Library exhibits are limited to the following display areas listed on the Display Spaces webpage. 
• All exhibits must have a responsible faculty/staff/administrator as co-sponsor who has reviewed the content.
• The exhibit key(s) are not to leave the building and are to be returned to Room 108 or Access Services, whenever the display is not being put up or taken down.
• If you do not show up to set up your display or call on the first day of your reservation, your may be cancelled. The Library reserves the right to add their Library exhbit when it is determined the exhibit proposed doesn't appear when scheduled, or have not communicated with the Library.
• As most of the cases are surrounded in glass, extreme caution is advised in installation and removal of your display to prevent injury.
  • Posters, pictures, etc., are not to be taped to the glass.
  • Tape is not to be used on either the walls or the glass.
  • Special putty will be provided for mounting description cards to the walls.
  • Nails are not to be used in the cases.
  • The Library Administration Office will provide straight pins upon request.
• No electrical machines or appliances, such as slide or film projectors, may be used due to fire hazard, unless special permission has been granted by the Library Administration.
• No food may be used as part of an exhibit.
• Reservations cannot be submitted for duplicate exhibits in the same semester. If a reservation is cancelled due to a failure to comply with the exhibit policy and procedures, future duplicate display reservation requests will be denied.
• Displays utilizing humans are not allowed.
• Within each exhibit case or designated wall space, there must be a card identifying the exhibitor and exhibit (Library Administration will provide this card using information from the application).
• If the large case is used, the entire case must be utilized.
• All of the display must be within the cases, nothing outside the case, on top or on an adjacent wall. 
• It is your responsibility to clean up the case when your reservation is over so it is ready for the next club/organization that will use it. This includes cleaning the glass and bottom of display case and removing any pins, putty, or other materials. The Library Administration Office will provide cleaning supplies when you check out the key to remove your display materials.
• The Library is not responsible for damaged or stolen exhibit material.
• Failure to comply with the Policy and Procedures can result in removal in display and possibly denial of future display reservations.
• Failure to show up for your reservation may prevent you/your club from reserving again during the same semester.
• No exhibit space shall be used for political activities, such as: urging support or defeat of any ballot measure or candidate. See California Education Code sections 7050-7056.
• Best Practices
• Be ADA Compliant: Any printed text, typefaces should be an accessible font, such as Open Sans, text should be 20 font, high contrast (black on white).
• Be Educational & Engaging: introductory panels should be 150-170 words, captions for individual items be 20-30 words, and keep in mind a variety of audiences.
• Be Connected to Library Collections, Resources, Services or Campus Curriculum. Showcase relevant library resources or campus curriculum, this could be annotated bibliography, library subject guides, or other relevant
  campus or library information resources and services.
• Be Kind: Keep in mind that minors are often in the building, so if relevant, add trigger warnings and explanations of why the content is part of the exhibit. Exhibits may not compromise privacy, disrupt or harm the facility, collections, or visitors.
• Be Tech Agnostic: When including QR codes, please also provide a full URL and explanation of what to expect.

The Library is committed to presenting diverse points of view and to principles of academic freedom. The Library does not necessarily endorse the viewpoint of the exhibit, however, the Library adheres to:

• CSU Systemwide Time, Place, and Manner Policy, Cal Poly Humboldt Addendum, and CPH Policies
• American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights
• American Library Association's Intellectual Freedom

Please contact the exhibit sponsor for concerns, however, you can also notify the Dean of Students Office, Ombudspeople, FSSRT Community Engagement Coordinator, or Library Dean.

[updated 8-11-25]