Acquisition of Works of Art

APPROVED BY:

Board of Library Trustees

APPROVAL DATE:

October 25, 2007

EFFECTIVE DATE: 

October 25, 2007

Mission Statement

The library does not intend to operate as an art museum and thus does not pursue active acquisition of artworks for permanent collections. Nevertheless, exceptional cases allow for art installations to enrich both central and branch facilities. 

Permitted acquisitions encompass diverse categories including:

• Fine Art: Prints, Drawings, Paintings, Sculptures.
• Photography.
• Decorative & Applied Arts: Furniture, Instruments, and Historically Significant Architectural Components.
• Ethnographic Objects.

Such additions aim to visually elevate spaces and subtly promote arts education among patrons. 

Board members and staff are prohibited from exploiting their positions for personal advantage or benefiting others contrary to institutional values and professional ethics. Appraisals for potential acquisitions cannot be formally provided by library personnel. All purchases will comply with relevant cultural, burial, copyright, and other applicable laws—both internationally and domestically.

The Board of Library Trustees appoints this committee to guide decisions regarding art acquisitions and installations. Their primary objective is maintaining artistic excellence while advancing the library’s mission through consensus-driven recommendations. External experts may provide input but lack voting authority. Proposals originate from artists, donors, staff, or community members and undergo rigorous evaluation considering artistic merit, display feasibility, cost implications, funding availability, maintenance requirements, stylistic compatibility, and mission alignment.

Recommendations flow through structured evaluations focusing on artistic quality, spatial suitability, financial considerations, long-term care needs, and institutional fit. Final decisions rest with the Board after committee review. Gift acquisitions undergo similar scrutiny, requiring donor receipts via deeds. Independent appraisals are mandatory for gifts per IRS regulations, with donors bearing associated costs. The library refuses to retain items solely for donor tax benefits and generally accepts unrestricted gifts only, reserving acceptance of restricted donations for exceptional circumstances requiring full board consensus.

Items considered for removal follow strict protocols guided by the Art Advisory Committee. Evaluation criteria address relevance to library objectives, legal compliance with NAGPRA repatriation mandates, preservation capability, condition integrity, authenticity verification, and duplication status. Deaccessioning adheres to ethical standards prohibiting employee or trustee gifts, directing outcomes toward other institutions, public sales, or proper disposal when necessary. Restricted items never become employee gifts or committee assets.

No additional exhibits are currently scheduled.