Lithgow Public Library Art Collection Policy
I. Lithgow Public Library Vision
II. Art Collection Committee Membership
III. Goals for the Policy
IV. Art Collection Committee Mission
V. Art Collection Display
VI. Criteria for Selection
VII. Policy for Gifts of Artwork
VIII. De-Acquisition of Artwork
IX. Request for Removal of Artwork
I. Lithgow Public Library Vision
Lithgow Public Library: Inspire your imagination; widen your world.
II. Art Collection Committee Membership
The Art Committee will be comprised of two members of the Friends of Lithgow, two members of the Board of Trustees, a member of the local art community, and the Library Director or his/her designee.
II. Goals for the Policy
The Lithgow Public Library Art Policy provides a framework to the Art Collection Committee for the growth and development of the library’s art collection in support of the library’s vision as well as evaluating the existing collection.
IV. Art Collection Committee Mission
The Art Collection Committee is dedicated to enriching the library experience of patrons and staff of the Lithgow Public Library by:
• Enhancing community appreciation of the arts.
• Contributing to the special character and beauty of the library.
• Presenting a variety of work by artists, especially with literary, geographical, and/or historical significance.
• Providing opportunities for library visitors to encounter original artwork and increase their visual literacy.
V. Art Collection Display
Art collection display is determined by the Committee. Art may be displayed in designated places in the library, taking into consideration space, security, and practical logistics.
VI. Criteria for Selection
General criteria for selecting items for the library art collection are listed below. An item need not meet all the criteria in order to be acceptable.
• By a local artist and/or of local significance, particularly as it pertains to the Lithgow Public Library, Augusta, and Maine
• High artistic merit
• Contemporary significance, popular interest or permanent value
• Prominence, authority and/or competence of artist
• Attention of critics and reviewers
• Potential for public interest
• Timeliness of material
• Relation to existing collection
• Authenticity of historical, regional or social setting
• Ability of the City of Augusta to insure and maintain the item
VII. Policy for Gifts of Artwork
The Art Collection Committee will consider prospective gifts and/or purchases of artwork to determine the appropriateness for inclusion in the Lithgow Public Library collection.
Work will be considered based on the following criteria:
• Artwork acquired by the Lithgow Public Library should be of sufficiently high artistic merit to warrant inclusion in the library collection. This generally requires that the works be unique pieces created by artists of established reputation or recognized potential.
• Artwork should be compatible with the character of the library.
• Artwork must be durable, sound, non-hazardous, and maintainable in terms of the nature of the materials.
The Art Collection Committee will consider all artwork offered as a gift to Lithgow Public Library. In addition to the criteria above, the Committee will consider the significance of artwork as it relates to the library’s presence within the community.
Lithgow Public Library will provide recognition to all individuals, groups and/or corporations who donate services, financial support or gifts of art to the library. Appropriate recognition will be determined through consultation with the donor and will generally be consistent with the recognition given to library donors. Display of accepted artwork is at the discretion of the Lithgow Public Library. There is no obligation for display.
VIII. De-Acquisition of Artwork
The Art Collection Committee reserves the right to de-acquisition any items if it is seen to be in the best interest of the library. De-acquisition will require final approval of the Library Board and by the City of Augusta.
IX. Request for Removal of Artwork
It is the library’s goal to present a diverse Augusta community with artwork and exhibitions that reflect a wide range of styles, views, expressions, opinions and interests. Specific displays may include items that may be unorthodox or unpopular with the majority or controversial in nature. The library’s display of these items does not constitute endorsement of their content but rather makes available its expression. Lithgow Public Library adheres to the principles of intellectual freedom, adopted by the American Library Association, as expressed in the Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read and Freedom to View Statements.
The Lithgow Public Library defends and protects the First Amendment rights of each of its users by providing access to the widest possible range of materials, which in some cases may include extreme or unpopular points of view. While individuals are free to personally reject materials of which they do not approve, individuals or groups may not restrict or exercise censorship over anyone else’s freedom to read or inquire. Requests to remove materials will be considered within the context of the policies set forth in this document. Anyone who wishes to request that a specific item be reconsidered for inclusion in the collection of materials is asked to complete and sign the Request for Reconsideration Form. Copies of this form are available at the public service desks or from the Library Director. The form will be forwarded to the Art Collection Committee, who will consider the request within 30 days. The questioned material will be reviewed, in its entirety, and once a decision has been made regarding the retention or removal of the material, a letter will be sent to the person, explaining the decision. If the person indicates dissatisfaction with the resolution, he/she may appeal to the Library Board. The Board will reconsider the decision based on whether the item conforms to the Board-approved Art Collection Policy, as outlined above.
The Lithgow Public Library is not a judicial body. Law governing obscenity, subversive materials and other questionable matters are subject to interpretation by the courts. Therefore, no challenged material will be removed solely for the complaint of obscenity or any other category covered by law until after a court of competent jurisdiction has ruled against the material. No materials will be knowingly added to the library collections that have been previously determined to be in non-compliance with federal, state and local laws.
