The following are Kalamazoo College Library policies. All Kalamazoo College policies, the Student Code of Conduct, and the College Honor System also apply.

The Kalamazoo College Library maintains the confidentiality of its patron records. The Library staff will not divulge any details of a patron’s library record to other patrons or agencies, except in accordance with proper judicial order and with permission of the designated administrative officer(s) of the College. Patron information includes name, address, telephone number, borrowing record, and Web browsing histories. The library follows the Code of Ethics of the American Library Association and Michigan’s Library Privacy Act. These require all libraries to protect the patron’s right to confidentiality and privacy when using library material.
 
Policy updated February 22, 2006 

Policy Purpose

The following policy has been developed to ensure that exhibits in the Upjohn Library Commons (ULC) reflect the Information Services (IS) department’s overall commitment to quality. For the purpose of this document, exhibits are defined as thematic displays of materials, including but not limited to books, posters, documents, art work, artifacts, and other objects, that should be accompanied by written commentary or labels.

Objective of Exhibits

The purpose of the Upjohn Library Commons exhibit facilities is to increase public awareness of Information Services resources and to promote the educational and cultural mission of Kalamazoo College.

Exhibitors

As an educational and cultural institution, the Upjohn Library Commons welcomes exhibits of interest, information, and enlightenment to the Kalamazoo College community. IS retains oversight for all exhibits. When appropriate, IS exhibitors will collaborate with other departments on campus or with community organizations to develop and present exhibits and collaborative programs.
 
There are four exhibit areas in the Upjohn Library Commons building.  The lobby display case and Café Art Gallery are the only spaces available for non-IS exhibits. IS staff reserves the right to change, reschedule, or cancel exhibits when necessary.

• Lobby Exhibits: IS maintains the exhibit areas and will set up the majority of exhibits, but other Kalamazoo College groups are welcome to propose and devise appropriate displays in this area. Non-Kalamazoo College individuals or groups may present exhibits at the discretion of IS staff. Groups or individuals interested in presenting exhibits should contact the Library Director.
• Book Club Café Art Gallery: Kalamazoo College students, faculty, and staff are welcome to propose and devise art displays in the Café. Non-Kalamazoo College individuals or groups may present exhibits at the discretion of IS staff. Groups or individuals interested in presenting exhibits should contact the Library Director.
• Archives Exhibits: The exhibit cases outside the Archives are maintained by the Archives staff. Only Archives staff may present exhibits in the Archives exhibit cases.
• Rare Book Room Exhibits: The exhibit cases in the Rare Book Room are maintained by the Technical Services Librarian. Only the Technical Services Librarian may present exhibits in the Rare Book Room exhibit cases.

Exhibitors pay any special costs incurred in mounting an exhibit, including costs for materials, and repairs or replacement costs due to any damage to the Upjohn Library Commons building or college property caused by the installation or removal of an exhibit.

Goals

Exhibits in the Upjohn Library Commons facilities must further one or more of these purposes:
 
to call attention to a theme related to Information Services issues, collections, or programs to bring together library materials related to a theme of current interest to highlight current issues, events, or other subjects of campus interest to display high quality original art, crafts, photographs, or writings created by Kalamazoo College artists or contained in traveling exhibits to highlight past scholarship and encourage future scholarship to highlight alternative and unique topics for investigation to honor donor gifts and encourage philanthropic giving to the Upjohn Library Commons and Kalamazoo College to enhance the visual atmosphere of Upjohn Library Commons.

Content

Exhibits must be appropriate to a public setting and informative to the patrons of Upjohn Library Commons. Exhibits should support the curriculum or instructional mission of Kalamazoo College, or reflect Kalamazoo College collections and services.
 
All exhibits must meet existing state and federal laws on obscenity, libel, defamation of character, or invasion of privacy.
 
Exhibits may not include any organic materials, such as food or liquids, that may degrade over time and damage other items or the display area.  
 
IS is not responsible for ensuring that all points of view are represented in any single exhibit. Granting of permission to display materials does not imply IS’s endorsement of content, nor does IS accept responsibility for the accuracy of statements made in exhibits or displays. IS retains the right of refusal and is not obligated to accept every exhibit offered for display.
 
Displays may not be used to promote personal, commercial, or political positions; however, controversial subjects may be presented, provided that an exhibit reflects an equitable balance of viewpoints and does not violate state and federal obscenity, libel, and privacy laws.
 
The IS staff reserves the right to reject any exhibit or item for any reason at any time.

Security

 All Library display cases are kept locked.  The doors to the cases are glass, however, and this places items in the cases at some risk of damage or theft.  Items hung in the Café are not secured.

Kalamazoo College and IS do not provide insurance to cover the loss of or damage to displayed items.  The person or group responsible for the exhibit assumes all risk of damage and loss. IS assumes no responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Upjohn Library Commons for display is done so at the owner’s risk.

General Guidelines for Lobby Exhibits

Exhibits must be appropriate to a public setting and informative to the patrons of Upjohn Library Commons.
 
Exhibits should reflect professional quality, coordinated mounting materials, appropriate preservation and archival exhibit supplies, attention to design aesthetics and public engagement, and use a minimum amount of uniformly printed titles and textual information.
 
While Library staff is available to consult with exhibitors on the mounting and dismantling of exhibits, the individual or organization that reserved the display space is responsible for timely installation and removal. IS staff will support the preparation of exhibits to ensure the proper handling of materials displayed and a uniform, professional appearance of exhibits.
 
Exhibitors must schedule an appointment to meet with the Library Director prior to the installation of an exhibit to inspect the areas to be used. Once the display is installed, the exhibitor must seek final approval from the Library Director before leaving the building. Exhibitors must also schedule a time to meet with the Library Director upon dismantling the exhibit to inspect for damage the areas used in the display.
 
The preparation of a quality exhibit requires a significant investment of thought, effort and time. Begin planning and developing approved exhibit well before the installation date. Prepare an exhibit and its descriptive labels well in advance of the opening so that the display may be installed as quickly and completely as possible, avoiding empty cases or an incomplete exhibit for any length of time. If you must leave the exhibit unfinished for any length of time over 24 hours, please post a visible sign in the case indicating “Exhibit in Progress.”

General Guidelines for Book Club Café Art Gallery Exhibits

Exhibits must be appropriate to a public setting and informative to the patrons of Upjohn Library Commons.
 
Artists displaying work in the the Café Art Gallery are encouraged to post a statement about their work.  For each work, the artist should provide a display card or title label indicating the name of the work, artist’s name, medium, and price. No labels, signs, artwork, or other material may be attached to any walls without approval of the Library Director.  
 
A gallery system is provided to display art. All art must be able to hang with a wire. Work that is fragile or has questionable durability may be rejected. Each cable can hang art up to 30 pounds in weight. Artwork up to 60 pounds may be hung with two cables. No artwork heavier than 60 pounds may be hung in the Café. Floor space must be kept clear, and artwork may not protrude from the wall in a way that interferes with patrons’ ability to use the Café comfortably.
 
Works of art on display may be offered for sale, with prices established by the artist. The artist is responsible for conducting the sale of any work directly through the buyer. Works that are not available for purchase should be clearly designated as “NFS” (not for sale). Works sold must remain on exhibit throughout the display period. Artists must notify the Library Director within 48 hours of sale so the artwork may be marked “sold.”
 
The Café display area is open during scheduled library hours. Artists must provide their own insurance coverage if they desire to ensure their works. Kalamazoo College is not responsible for loss or damage incurred while the exhibited items are in the Library. All items placed in the Library are placed there at the owner’s risk. All artists are required to sign an Exhibit Agreement that releases the Library from responsibility for any items in the exhibit. The Exhibit Agreement must be signed and submitted to the Library Director on or before the exhibit set-up date.
 
Permission to photograph and reproduce any work accepted in the exhibition for publicity purposes is considered granted unless otherwise stated in writing.
 
Artists must remove artwork from the Library no later than two days after the end of the exhibit unless the artist/lender has made written arrangements with the Library Director prior to the exhibit.

Using Library Materials in Exhibits

Any library books used in an exhibit must be checked out before placement in the display cases. The Library reserves the right to remove library materials if the need arises.
 
Library materials used in exhibits must be displayed in a manner consistent with vetted preservation standards. Never use rubber bands, staples, paper clips, post-it notes, or any kind of sticky adhesive or metal fasteners on library materials.  Library staff is happy to provide advice or guidance in this area. Any library materials displayed in a potentially damaging manner will be redisplayed or removed from the exhibit.

Supplies

The sponsoring organization assumes any costs incurred in mounting the exhibit (e.g. supplies, signage, publicity).

While the Library does not provide exhibit supplies for guest exhibits, staff from the Archives and Center for New Media Design are available for consultation on mounting exhibits.

Suggested supplies include:

• Foam Core
• Poster Board
• Card stock or other heavy paper for captions
• Fabric for lining cases/covering shelves
• Glass Cleaner
• Display Stands (the Library has some display stands available for use in exhibits on a first-come basis)
• Signage

Exhibitors should provide a sign announcing the title or theme of the exhibit.

Exhibits presented by non-Information Services staff must include a sign or label clearly visible within the exhibit area that indicates the name of the individual or organization responsible for the exhibit.

The context and text, including font size of labels, of an exhibit should be clear and easy to read. Choose clean, easy to read fonts, like Arial or Tahoma, and use font size 16 pt. or larger.

If the exhibit is left unfinished for any length of time over 24 hours, please include an “Exhibit in Progress” sign visible in the case.

Conservation Considerations

Exhibits must be mounted in display cases, units or other areas specifically designed for exhibitions. Display materials must not be affixed to library walls or other surfaces that can be damaged or defaced by adhesives, fasteners, etc.

Materials in the display cases may fade or discolor because of exposure to light. If this is 

a concern, consider using color photocopies rather than original documents. Use foam core to create rigid backings for documents displayed upright. Display books flat or on cradles or stands to prevent damage to the pages or spine. Some books do not stay open, and forcing a book to display open will result in damage that may be impossible to repair.

All exhibits must adhere to established guidelines for mounting, according to the National Information Standards Organization’s Environmental Conditions for Exhibiting Library and Archival Materials.

Library staff is available to consult with exhibitors on display techniques.

Follow-Up and Clean Up

Exhibitors are responsible for all items displayed during the exhibit, and for keeping the display neat and tidy.  The Library is not responsible for maintenance of the exhibit.
 
Humidity, light, and temperature fluctuations may change the nature of paper products and adhesives. Check your display regularly to ensure that materials remain intact and tidy.
 
Exhibits must be removed on or before the proposed close date. The person or organization putting up the exhibit is responsible for ensuring the dismantling of the display. Contact the Library Director if you find you are unable to keep these dates.

Publicity

Information Services does not provide assistance with publicity.

Priority (ULC Lobby and Cafe Exhibits)

Priority for groups presenting exhibits in the Upjohn Library Commons main floor lobby display cases is as follows:
 
Information Services-produced or solicited exhibits have priority over exhibits proposed by non-Information Services groups or individuals. Kalamazoo College groups or individuals have the next level of priority. Non-Kalamazoo College affiliated groups may use the display cases on the main floor at the discretion of library staff.
 
Exhibitors not associated with Information Services must work with a staff member in Information Services when presenting displays. Information Services staff will support the preparation of displays to ensure the proper handling of exhibited materials and a uniform, professional appearance of displays.

Exhibit Space (ULC Lobby)

There are four upright cases in the lobby on the first floor of the Upjohn Library Commons with the following dimensions:

• 57 inches high, 34 inches wide, and 12 inches deep 
• There are two adjustable glass shelves in each case with the following dimensions: 
• 34 inches wide and 10 inches deep
• Each case is lit from the top by a fluorescent tube bulb. The back of each case has a tackable surface.

Procedure for Requesting Lobby or Exhibit Space

Requests for using Library exhibit space should be made at least six weeks in advance of the exhibit period.  Please submit requests to the Library Director. All non-IS exhibitors are required to sign an Exhibit Agreement that releases from the College all responsibility for any items on display.
 
Policy updated July 12, 2017

The Kalamazoo College Library depends upon users to be responsible and keep library resources, equipment, and furnishings in good condition.

• Please clean up when you are finished. Report spills and ask for cleaning materials at the Circulation Desk.
• Drinks must be in spill-proof containers or in café cups with lids.
• Refrain from eating smelly, greasy, or noisy foods that might disturb others.
• Place recyclables in blue recycling bins and garbage in trash cans. 
• Catering or large group meals are not allowed in the Upjohn Library Commons except with permission of the Library Director.

The Archives and Rare Book Room are designated as “No Food and Drink” zones; no food or drink of any kind may be brought into these areas. 

Unsure about a food or drink item or container? Just ask us! The Book Club is the best place to eat food. Information Services staff may ask any user to remove their food or drink from the library if, in the judgment of the staff, it violates this policy. 

Sale or Distribution

Sale or distribution of food, drink, or other items that may interfere with the commerce of the Book Club Café is prohibited inside the Upjohn Library Commons building. 

Policy updated September 23, 2019

Upjohn Library Commons staff is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen personal items. Library staff cannot store personal items in locked closets, drawers, or offices. Library staff is not responsible for personal items left at the Circulation Desk. Unattended personal items may be subject to removal, search, and/or confiscation by Kalamazoo College Security.

Policy updated October 2, 2006

Upjohn Library Commons serves its users as a center of campus activity, news, and academic life. Library bulletin boards provide an avenue for Kalamazoo College community members to advertise events and other announcements. Hicks Center allows tabling by students and other groups.
 
For the purpose of this document, all public notices, posters, flyers, bulletins, advertisements, and other miscellaneous announcements will be called “postings.”

For the purpose of this document, "tabling" refers to setting up a table, with or without chairs, in the Upjohn Library Commons building separate from the spaces in which tables and chairs are normally situated.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures and rules by which postings will be displayed in Upjohn Library Commons (which will be applied without discrimination and in the best interests of all of the building’s users), to establish a policy on tabling (informational and otherwise), and to preserve library materials and facilities.

Tabling

Tabling is not permitted within Upjohn Library Commons.

Postings Display Areas

Postings are permitted only:

• on the bulletin board in Book Club Café on the first floor
• on the bulletin board in the Copy Center on the first floor, and
• on the bulletin board across from the elevator on the third floor

Postings are not permitted anywhere other than bulletin boards, including (but not limited to) the exterior of the building, in restrooms, on equipment or materials, on security gates, on windows, on walls, or on doors in the Upjohn Library Commons building.

Content

Postings should be related to the mission of and activities of Kalamazoo College, including signs, posters, and announcements issued by Kalamazoo College departments, offices, or student organizations. All postings must meet existing State and Federal laws on obscenity, libel, defamation of character or invasion of privacy. Postings of unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, and/or obscene material will be removed. Posting material constituting or encouraging conduct that would constitute a criminal offense, give rise to civil liability, otherwise violate any local, provincial, national or international law, including without limitation, export control laws and regulations 
will be removed.
 
Display of any posting does not constitute an endorsement by the College or Information Services. 

Approval

Postings must be approved and stamped by the Student Development Office or posted with the permission of the Library Director.

Length of Display

Individuals or groups who have posted items to Upjohn Library Commons bulletin boards are responsible for their timely removal.
Unauthorized and outdated postings will be removed by Information Services staff. Most postings are generally removed at the end of each quarter. Multiple copies of postings which meet the above criteria for content may be left for display on bulletin boards as space allows.
 
Information Services reserves the right to remove and discard any posting at any time.
 
Information Services cannot assume responsibility for the preservation, protection, or possible damage or theft of any item displayed on or near bulletin boards. Items displayed in Upjohn Library Commons are done so at the owner’s risk. 
 
Policy updated July 27, 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to define when the Upjohn Library Commons public address system should be used. This regulates acceptable use and ensures that disruptive noise and arbitrary use of the public address system are avoided.

Policy

Only Information Services staff or Campus Safety staff may use the public address system.

The Upjohn Library Commons public address system is used only to announce building closing times or to make service announcements, such as weather related warnings, which involve everyone in the building.

There is no paging of patrons, announcement of programs, or other incidental uses of this system. When a person asks an Information Services staff member to use the public address system for emergency paging, the individual should be referred to Campus Safety (extension 7321).

Policy updated June 13, 2022

The purpose of the Eugene and Mildred Hoff Yehle Reading Room is to provide reflective study space for students, faculty and staff. The room is not meant to be used for social functions or receptions.

The space is utilized for informal academic purposes only, except for special one-time meetings at the discretion of the Library Director.

The solid wood doors to the Reading Room must remain open at all times so library staff can monitor the use of the room. Any exception must be approved by library staff.

Unacceptable behavior in Upjohn Library Commons includes, but is not limited to:

• Interfering with others' ability to use library services, materials, equipment, or the building
• Interfering with library staff's performance of their duties
• Interfering with patron privacy or confidentiality
• Disturbing or harassing others
• Physical threats or abuse
• Abusive or profane language
• Not wearing a shirt, shoes, pants, skirts, or other basic clothing
• Bringing inappropriate wheeled transportation into the building, such as bicycles or scooters
• Being in the library building without authorization from the Library Director when the library building is closed
• Abuse or misuse of Library furnishings, equipment, or materials
• Commission of an illegal or unauthorized act on Library property against patrons, personnel, or property of the Library, i.e., theft, trespass, assault, arson, etc.

Further, all Kalamazoo College campus policies apply to persons in and around Upjohn Library Commons. Unacceptable behaviors covered by college polices include but are not limited to:

• Smoking, vaping, or burning any material (see the Kalamazoo College Smoking Policy)
• Bringing pets into the library building (see the Kalamazoo College Pets on Campus Policy)
• Use of alcohol or mood-altering drugs in or around the Library (see the Kalamazoo College Alcohol Policy and the Kalamazoo College Drugs Policy)
• Inappropriate use of sensitive materials (see Responsible Use of Sensitive Text or Electronic Material)
• Possession or use of weapons, firearms, fireworks, or explosives. See the Kalamazoo College Policy on Weapons, Firearms, Fireworks, and Explosives

All local, state, and federal laws also apply.
 
Patrons will be warned once and requested to leave if the unacceptable behavior continues. Suspension of library privileges may occur if a patron is found to have engaged in unacceptable behavior on Upjohn Library Commons property.
 
Policy updated January 26, 2022

The Kalamazoo College Library is a private Library that supports the needs of current students, faculty, and staff of the College, and shares its resources with the Kalamazoo community by extending some privileges to the public.

The Library reserves the right to restrict any individual from entering the Library or from using any of its materials, equipment, facilities or services. All persons in the Upjohn Library Commons building must abide by library and campus policies.

Building Use

Visitors are welcome to use the Upjohn Library Commons building. Some areas of the building, such as classrooms, are reserved for use by current students, faculty, and staff.

Library Resources

The Library welcomes visitors to use library materials from our collections and to request information and research assistance. Archives and Rare Book Room materials in the Kalamazoo College Archives are available for research by request during posted office hours and by appointment. Archives materials may be subject to access and/or copying restrictions stipulated by the College or the donor.

Computer Use

The computers in Upjohn Library Commons are provided for use by current Kalamazoo College students, faculty, and staff. Visitors may bring their own computing devices and can get instructions on how to get on the campus wireless network. Visitors must abide by the Information Services Policies on Acceptable Computer and Network Use.

Policy updated June 13, 2022