Exhibits
Current Exhibit
Darwin Exhibit: Mystery of Mysteries Examined
November 2009-January 2010
It has been 150 years since the first publication of Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. The library is celebrating this monumental achievement with an exhibit in the lobby which will run from now until January 10, 2010. Come learn about Darwin, his childhood, and what led him to discover and publish his theory on natural selection.
Special Exhibit
The Kress Foundation's Study Collection of Italian Paintings
Room 302 of the Library showcases the Kress Collection of 10 old master paintings that date from the mid-14th through the early 18th centuries and are representative of the major schools of Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting.
This was a gift to Fairfield University by the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport and arranged by Dr. Philip Eliasoph. The collection will be temporarily housed in the library while permanent space is sought elsewhere on campus. Contact the Dept. of Visual and Performing Arts for access to the collection.
Create an Exhibit
The library sponsors its own displays and exhibits, and welcomes requests to provide temporary space for faculty, staff or students who wish to sponsor an exhibit. If you are interested in creating an exhibit at the Library, please call (203) 254-4000 ext. 2587 or e-mail Jackie Kremer.
Past Exhibits
Past exhibits contain online content and images:
Wizard of Oz Exhibit
July-August 2009
LGBT Exhibit: Student Life and Beyond
October-November, 2008What We Did During the Summer Vacation!
September, 2008America 1968: The World was Watching
May 15-August 15, 2008Nicaragua: The Sandinista Years
March 15-May 15, 2008China, Russia, and Central Asia
January 15-March 15, 2008Black History
February, 2008Food for Thought
November-December 2007Genocide: Cambodia and Around the World
September-October 2007Baseball: America's National Pastime
June-August 2007Japanese and American Animation, Comics, and Graphic Novels
April-May 2007
Exhibit Policy
Goals
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library presents exhibits designed to meet one or more of the following goals:
- Promote the collections, services and resources of the DiMenna-Nyselius Library
- Enrich the intellectual and cultural life of the Fairfield University community.
- Strengthen collaborative opportunities between the Library and the Fairfield University community.
Exhibit Space as a Forum for Ideas and Information
The DiMenna-Nyselius supports the American Library Association's recommendations for Intellectual Freedom Principles for Academic Libraries; specifically noting:
- Principle 7 states, "Freedom of information and of creative expression should be reflected in library exhibits and in all relevant library policy documents."
- Principle 8 states, "Library meeting rooms, research carrels, exhibit spaces, and other facilities should be available to the academic community regardless of research being pursued or subject being discussed. Any restrictions made necessary because of limited availability of space should be based on need, as reflected in library policy, rather than on content of research or discussion."
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library also affirms the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights.
- Article I of the Bill of Rights states, "Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation."
- Article II states, "Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval."
- Article VI maintains that exhibit space should be made available "on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use." Please note sponsorship of an exhibit is limited to current Fairfield University faculty, staff and students.
Materials will be excluded if it does not comply with Fairfield University's policy on academic freedom (shown on page 3 of this document), specifically if it is defamatory, willfully false, obscene, or, promotes racial hatred or discrimination.
Exhibit spaces may not be used for commercial purposes, for the solicitation of business, for profit or for fundraising. No pricing information will be displayed within the exhibit.
The Library does not advocate or necessarily endorse the viewpoints of exhibitions or exhibitors.
Liability
The Library does not provide insurance coverage for exhibit items. Those who lend items to the exhibit agree to exhibit at their own risk. The Library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or theft of exhibited items. Any damage incurred to Library property from exhibit items is the responsibility of the exhibitor.
Application for exhibit
The library sponsors its own displays and exhibits, and considers requests to provide temporary space for current faculty, staff or students who wish to sponsor an exhibit. Contact the Outreach Coordinator, Jackie Kremer at (203) 254-4000 (ext. 2587) for more information.
The Library retains the right to determine the suitability of any proposed exhibit. An application for an exhibit will not be accepted if it (1) does not comply with Fairfield University's policy on academic freedom, specifically if it is defamatory, willfully false, obscene, or, promotes racial hatred or discrimination, (2) is not physical appropriate for the display space, or (3) does not meet the goals (stated above) for the Library exhibit space.
Complaint Procedure
Once an exhibit has been mounted, the exhibit in whole or in part will not be removed in response to any complaint about its content.
Objections to the content of an exhibit will, however, be addressed formally as follows:
- Complaints will be referred to the Library Director. An opportunity to discuss the complaint in person or by phone with the Library Director will be provided if the complainant so desires. An opportunity to submit a written complaint will be offered.
- A written response will be provided to the complainant.
- If the complainant remains unsatisfied, the Library Director may take further action as he or she sees fit, short of altering the exhibit.