Internal Display Policy

Policy

Exhibits and displays at UH Libraries promote the scholarly use of the libraries’ collections, enhancing student success, and supporting faculty research and achievement. Exhibits are developed and curated by UH Libraries personnel.

Currently, the University of Houston Libraries do not accept exhibition and display proposals from students, faculty, community members, or other groups affiliated or unaffiliated with UH. However, the Libraries are working on developing submission criteria and a review process to expand support for student and faculty curated exhibitions in the future.

UH Libraries’ personnel who wish to curate and coordinate an exhibit must develop a written proposal and obtain written approval from the Dean of Libraries, following approval from their Department Head, no later than 12 months prior to proposed exhibit opening.

UH Libraries’ personnel arranging library materials for a display on a topic or theme should seek approval from their Department Head.

Definitions

  1. An exhibition is a curated presentation of materials that are selected, arranged, and described to convey a specific theme, topic or idea. Exhibits draw from our collections and may include books, manuscripts, archives, artifacts, digital resources, or other materials, including loans from other institutions. Exhibits often require substantial research, planning, personnel time, and resources.
  2. A display is an informal collection of materials from our collections highlighted for curricular or informational purposes on a topic or theme. Displays are more casual in nature though may involve some coordination and preliminary research.

Proposal Requirements

UH Libraries personnel may propose exhibitions up to 12 months prior to the intended opening date. Exhibits proposed with less than 12 months prior to intended opening will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Proposals must be approved by the Department Head and the Associate Dean prior to submittal to the Dean of Libraries.

Locations

The exhibit and display policy applies to all temporary or long-term exhibits and displays within University of Houston’s public facing spaces:

  • MD Anderson Library
  • Medical Library
  • Health Sciences Library
  • Music Library
  • William R. Jenkins Architecture, Design, & Art Library
  • Special Collections

Other locations engaged for exhibits and displays outside of the UH Libraries may be approved at the discretion of the Dean of Libraries.