n. (also exhibitions policy)a directive governing borrowing, lending, and/or exhibiting archival holdingsKalfatovic 2002, 21A key component of any exhibition program, either gallery based or virtual, is a clear and well-defined exhibition policy. A good exhibition policy will lay out the mission and goals of a library or archives exhibition program and allow staff to have a clear idea of what is expected in an exhibition and how it fits into the larger mission of the institution.CCA 2003a, 10A basic framework for an exhibition policy for a small to medium sized archives should include a commitment to: ¶ 1. review the condition of the record prior to the exhibition to determine is it is safe to be exhibited ¶ 2. monitor and maintain light level standards (lux and UV light) in the exhibit area ¶ 3. monitor and maintain relative humidity and temperature standards in exhibit area ¶ 4. establish length of time for the exhibit – temporary or permanent ¶ 5. the use of adequate support for records on display ¶ 6. the use of safe display materials and cases ¶ 7. display copies where possible ¶ 8. establish loan and borrowing procedures ¶ 9. make special arrangements for light sensitive materials or choose not to exhibit the original.Montana SHRAB 2004, 17An exhibition policy helps guide the staff in making decisions about what exhibits to offer the public and how they are to be developed. Institutional goals, appropriate content, interpretive value, acceptable modes of presentation, responsibility for exhibitions, and methods of evaluation should be among the items discussed in an exhibition policy.Lawton 2008, 266Forde also excels when she addresses more traditional preservation concerns. In her chapter on exhibitions, for example, she expertly guides the reader through the process of developing an institutional exhibition policy. Such a policy, she notes, should be defined and written, rather than passed on by oral communication. She advises that this document should outline which materials in the collection can be displayed, whether originals or copies will be exhibited, and the conditions under which borrowing institutions may secure items for temporary exhibits.Forde and Rhys-Lewis 2013, 159The easiest way of minimizing the risk is to set out an exhibition policy and procedure with which everyone agrees. This may involve not only a simple statement of aims for internal use but also a more detailed policy and set of procedures for external loans. The organization will benefit from being very clear about what it will and will not display, outside borrowers will understand the limits of what can be borrowed and why, and staff will appreciate the concerns of other colleagues.
