Ferris State University Library for Information, Technology and Education (FLITE).
FLITE Display Space Policies and Guidelines

FLITE has display spaces throughout the building that are available for the display of materials of interest to the Ferris State University community.

  • Display programming (both virtual and physical), shall support the university pillars of student-centered learning and the engaged campus.
  • Displays should reflect educational, intellectual, social, artistic or cultural subjects. If possible, library materials should be included as part of each display.
  • Display space application forms are only available online. If you need assistance in completing a form, please contact Display Coordinator Melinda McMartin at 591-3731.
  • The approval for displays will be at the sole discretion of the Library Display Coordinator. However, comments and suggestions offered by FLITE personnel in response to semi-annual reports (see below, "Reporting Process" ) will be taken into account in the overall conduct of FLITE's display program. Displays proposed by the staff of FLITE or from University-affiliated groups or individuals will receive preference over external groups. Displays with potentially controversial subjects are encouraged to meet with the Display Coordinator.
  • The Display Coordinator will assign display cases in consultation with the organization/individual requesting the display.
  • To ensure enough time for review, planning, and set up, display spaces should be reserved at least 30 days in advance. It is advised that 1st floor displays be reserved 60 to 90 days in advance.
  • Generally, a display's duration will be one month for 1st floor cases and 2 months for all others. Groups may be limited to one 1st floor case display per academic year.
  • Keys for display case setup may be obtained from the Circulation Desk, the Reference Desk, or the Display Coordinator.
  • Displays MUST be set up within two days of the start date, and removed by the last day of reserved time. Displays not set up within two days of start date may be forfeited at the discretion of the Display Coordinator.
  • Displays will be reviewed within two business days after setup and photographed for the library website. If a display is deemed to be in non-compliance with display guidelines, the individual or organization responsible for the display may be asked to alter the display after consultation with the Display Coordinator.
  • Displays not removed on time will be removed by the Display Coordinator and stored for one month. If the removed display materials are not picked up within one month, they will be disposed of at the discretion of the Display Coordinator.
  • No organization may set up a display more than twice a year and there must be at least two months between display times.
  • Stands and other display items such as rods, drapes, etc. are available from the Display Coordinator, and will be provided as available.
  • The identification of the sponsor/provider/creator of a display must be clearly indicated within the display.
  • Neither the Display Coordinator, nor the library will be held responsible for the loss of, or damage to materials on display.
  • The group or individual setting up and dismantling the display will be held responsible for damage caused to the display space(s), shelving units, light bulbs, or other items used to support the display if they caused the damage.

Prohibited Uses and Practices

  • Library display facilities may not be used to promote or advertise, whether directly or indirectly, a commercial product or service; urge support or opposition to any political candidate or issue; or urge support of or opposition to any religion or religious belief.
  • Material that is obscene, defamatory, invades a particular person's privacy, or directly incites violence will not be posted or displayed.
  • Prices may not be affixed to any material on display, although an exhibitor's name, address and telephone number may be posted.
  • Material and equipment that, in the opinion of the Display Coordinator, are potentially dangerous to FLITE users, staff, or property will not be presented in displays.
  • At no time, will banners be allowed to be hung from the exterior walls and balconies of FLITE. Banners may not be displayed in the interior of FLITE unless expressly approved by the Dean of the Library. Other public areas where displays might be set up must be discussed in detail with the Display Coordinator.

Solicitations

  • Displays announcing or promoting fundraising programs or activities sponsored by not-for-profit, non-commercial organizations will be permitted, provided the requirements stipulated in this policy statement are met.
  • People may not solicit money or donations in FLITE, nor may any receptacle be placed in FLITE for the purpose of soliciting donations.

Sponsorship or Endorsement

  • Use of FLITE display space by an organization or individual does not constitute Library sponsorship or endorsement of that organization, individual, or the viewpoints or activities they are promoting. Statements that either directly or indirectly imply otherwise will not be permitted.

Non-compliance

  • The Library reserves the right to refuse or to remove any display that does not comply with the policies and guidelines herein presented. An appeal process is avialable.
  • Failure to comply with the FLITE Display Space Policies and Guidelines may cause your organization to be banned from displaying within FLITE for one full year following the date of non-compliance.

Reporting Process

  • The Display Coordinator will present a written report every six months on the activities and plans for the display program. The report will either be presented to the library staff at a FLITE staff meeting or distributed in its written form. Input will be sought on problems with process and ideas for new cases.

Questions not directly answered by these policies/guidelines may be forwarded to Melinda McMartin (231-591-3731).

Click Here for Request Form

Approved by the FLITE Leadership Team, October 13, 2004. Updated and approved by the FLITE Administrative Council, December 7, 2006.

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Last update: December 8, 2006

Rick Bearden
Library Web Coordinator
Email Rick Bearden
1010 Campus Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2279
Questions/Comments: Email Form
Main Switchboard
(231) 591-3500
Fax: (231) 591-3724