Parties seeking to exhibit or display in a library shall submit a written application (see Attachment 2) to the respective Library Manager. Permanent exhibits that are donated to the library are subject to the gift policy (AM 322)

1. Responsibility for Selection
   
   1. Ultimate responsibility for approval of library displays/exhibits rests with the Executive Director, who operates within the framework of policies determined by the Metropolitan Library Commission.
   2. The Executive Director delegates to Library Managers the authority to interpret and apply these policies in the selection of library exhibits/displays.
   3. Library Managers (or other key staff designed by the Library Managers) are assigned the responsibility for acquiring displays and exhibits. They shall review and evaluate material submitted for this purpose and apply their professional knowledge to the process.
2. Selecting for a Diverse Audience
   
   1. Library sponsored exhibits and displays shall be given first priority for use of exhibit and display spaces.
   2. The library recognizes that some library displays/exhibits may be controversial and that any given item may offend some persons; however, selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the merits of the display/exhibit in serving the diverse interest of Oklahoma County citizens.
   3. The library will not knowingly display or exhibit materials that are judicially determined to be illegal under Oklahoma law.
   4. The library does not set an arbitrary or single standard but seeks to provide exhibits/displays to serve a public varying in formal education.
   5. The system selects a wide range of materials for exhibits/displays that attempt to accurately and honestly attempt to depict or explore the human condition.
   6. Exhibits/displays will not be marked or labeled to show approval or disapproval of the contents.
   7. Exhibits/displays will be accessible by all library visitors. Responsibility for the viewing interests of children rests with their parents and legal guardians.
3. General Criteria for Selection
   The library will consider exhibits/displays from individuals, groups, for-profit and non-profit organizations in Oklahoma County that are consistent with and further the Metropolitan Library System's mission and goals.
   The library will not approve exhibits/displays representing:
   
   1. partisan political issues or candidates
   2. religion that is primarily proselytizing in nature, scope and intent
   3. commercial products or services with the intent to advertise, promote or sell
   4. not-for-profit organizations with the primary purpose of fundraising with the exception of the Friends of the Metropolitan Library System and the Library Endowment Trust which are affiliates of the Metropolitan Library System.
4. Specific Criteria and Sources for Selection
   Each exhibit/display and each piece of material or work therein shall be considered on its own merits and it relation to its intended audience. The library reserves the right to view all of a proposed exhibit/display as part of this selection process. All exhibits, whether purchased or donated, shall be evaluated on anticipated interest and must meet two or more of the following general criteria:
   
   1. appeal to the interest and needs of individuals in the community
   2. vitality and originality
   3. contemporary significance (timeliness)
   4. artistic or graphic quality
   5. degree to which its style of presentation entertains or informs
   6. skill and competence of the work's creator and producer in fulfilling their intent or purpose
   7. degree to which it provides viewpoints and subject coverage of special interest to the local community
   8. accuracy, authenticity, thoroughness and documentation
   9. appropriateness of the format