Springfield College Exhibit Program:
Propose an Exhibit

Exhibit Coordinator: Springfield College Library Services staff with primary responsibility for the management of the Exhibit Program. The Exhibit Coordinator supports, but does not supplant the Exhibitor.

Exhibit Team: A mix of Springfield College Library Services staff determined each year. After a trial/introductory/probationary period to iron out these exhibit processes, Faculty and/or a member of the Alumni, Advancement or Admissions offices might participate in the Exhibit Team

College Archivist: Subject and content expert in Springfield College Archives & Special Collections who helps guide research for Archival and Rare Book Collection items and informs the selection process, especially for Museum exhibits. The Archivist has final say in the materials on display relative to conservation and preservation of those materials.  

Exhibitor: YOU!

* The exhibitor will work with the Exhibit Coordinator and/or College Archivist to install, de-install, generate labels and other exhibit materials, like promotional take-aways. These costs may be supported by the Library Services printing budget, but also from other College office/departmental budgets or outside grants.

** Some exhibits may need digital surrogates to be made. These costs may be supported by the Library Services digitization/preservation budget, but also from other College office/departmental budgets or outside grants.

*** Exhibits may be associated with events. Marketing & Communications, Alumni and/or Advancement will be consulted on these exhibits.

Pre-proposal Phase:

Consider the overall timeline from pre-planning through deinstallation (see below). Proposals need to be submitted with enough lead time to plan and create the exhibit.

Exhibit Proposal Form:

The form goes to the Exhibit Coordinator plus other Exhibit Team collaborators as needed for initial vetting in alignment with the Springfield College Exhibit Program principles.

• Every exhibit proposal will be reviewed and responded to within two weeks.
• If initially accepted, the proposal is then shared with the Exhibit Team for comment.

Exhibit Proposal Review & Decision:

Any concerns or questions from the Exhibit Team will be communicated back to the identified contact person for the exhibit proposal. The standard response will include either accepted, accepted with changes, or rejected. Proposals that are rejected can be resubmitted with changes.

• Accepted proposals may change depending on the specific circumstances of the Museum cases, collection materials and staffing. Once approved the baseline criteria for Museum case and exhibit space, it cannot be changed.
• Exhibits that center or otherwise clearly reflect the College’s Humanics philosophy will be prioritized.
• All decisions will be documented with justifications and retained by the Exhibit Coordinator.
• The College Archivist and Library Director will be informed at regular intervals of the exhibit schedule and exhibit proposals, especially concerning Museum exhibits.

The following criteria are used to consider exhibit proposals, though exhibits are not necessarily expected to meet all criteria.

Library Services Exhibit Program reserves the right to approve or reject all exhibit requests, to have final approval for the layout of the exhibit, and to make all decisions regarding length of exhibit duration, placement of the exhibit within the Museum or Learning Commons, content of the exhibit, and content of publicity and promotional materials.

Priority consideration will be given to an exhibit proposal that:

• Has a clearly identified theme or engaging idea.
• Supports and is tied directly to the current Springfield College curriculum or Humanics philosophy.
• Appeal to Springfield College’s broader community. Exhibits that highlight Alumni and/or institutional and historical connections are encouraged.
• Highlights Springfield College collections and/or library and academic services and/or student work that makes use of SC collections and/or services.
• Provides an opportunity to educate, raise awareness, and offer space for critical dialogue.
• Presents accurate and appropriate content, in keeping with the Springfield College student academic honor code.
• Does not promote the financial profit of any individual, organization, or commercial enterprise.
• Is inclusive and accessible, and maintains public safety expectations. Exhibits are informal learning environments that should reflect multiple engagement types when possible.
• Has a clearly identified point person (exhibitor) who will be responsible for the exhibit throughout the process (proposal, planning, design, installation, and deinstallation).

These are goals for exhibits. Exact timelines will be worked out with the Exhibits Team depending on the exhibit details.