FAQ

Mission of the MLibrary's Gallery in Room 100

To enrich the intellectual, educational and cultural life of the
University of Michigan campus and the larger community by:

• showcasing and interpreting the MLibrary's rich collections and promoting their scholarly use;
• using collections to facilitate scholarship and storytelling;
• supporting the Library's role as an intellectual center of the University;
• providing a gathering place for the University to educate, enrich, and interact with the University and the wider community, and;
• fostering relationships between the MLibrary and University of Michigan faculty, students, alumni, staff, and the state and local community.

The Gallery in Room 100 is a forum to generate discussion and a spirit
of cooperative exploration. The Gallery is meant to be a lively place
reflecting the dynamic nature of the University of Michigan's research
and teaching activities. 

How is this accomplished in the Gallery in Room 100?

To share ideas, promote discussion, and enrich and educate as part of
the University's academic mission, the Gallery in Room 100 provides a
venue for:

• display of the Library’s special collections and rich treasures;
• exhibitions developed from the Library's unique collections;
• Library-sponsored or co-sponsored lectures, presentations, films and other events;
• traveling and other temporary exhibits;
• exhibits and events proposed and created by the University of Michigan community;
• collaboration with other community partners.

All exhibits, programs, and activities are related to the general
mission, collections, and activities of the MLibrary as a hub for the
campus and as both a source for research and the repository for
knowledge and information. 

Departments of the University or community are encouraged to contact the
Exhibits and Outreach Librarian with proposals or ideas.

Who can use the Gallery?

The University of Michigan community is encouraged to propose programs
and events related to the Library's broad mission to support, enhance,
and collaborate in the instruction, research and service activities of
the University and its community.  We welcome collaboration civic and
educational organizations provided such collaborations are consistent
with the Library's mission and University policies.

We particularly welcome faculty who wish to use the space for public
programs and educational or scholarly events or discussions. 

Please contact Karen Jordan, Exhibits and Outreach Librarian to discuss
ideas and proposals. She may be contacted at kjordan@umich.edu or
734-615-5783. 

Who can propose events for the Gallery?  Is it just for the University?

University departments, student organizations, organizations from the
community are welcome to propose events in the Gallery. Events should be
broadly related to the Library’s mission and ideally reflect a
collaboration with the Library in some way. You are encouraged to
contact the Exhibits and Outreach Librarian to discuss possible
collaborations or other kinds of events.  Contact Karen Jordan at
kjordan@umich.edu.

Is there a charge?

Currently, there is no rental charge to use the Gallery in Room 100.  We
are not a rental facility – instead we want to use MLibrary facilities
as a public good to foster our learning community.  Direct costs and any
damage to the facility are your responsibility.  This may be revisited
in the future, and we may require a deposit or certificate of insurance
for certain kinds of events.

Can food be served at events in the Gallery?

Food may be served in the Gallery with some limits.  There is no cooking
in the Library or in the Loading Dock.  Caterers may not fry foods in
the Loading Dock.  Sterno may be used in chafing dishes in Room 100 but
must be carefully attended to minimize any risk of fire.  Candles are
not permitted. Arrangements must be made in advance to coordinate food
service.  You are responsible for all clean up.  A deposit for clean up
may be required in some cases such as in the case of an event with large
attendance.

Can alcohol be served at events in the Gallery?

The Library follows all University of Michigan policies regarding the
serving of alcohol.  We do not permit the service of alcohol while the
Library is open to the public when students are expected to be in the
building.     

What does the Gallery provide in terms of equipment, facilities, seating
capacity, etc.?

For detailed information, review Event Planning Information provided on
this website.

Generally, the MLibrary owns certain furniture and av equipment that may
be used for events provided it is not otherwise in use.  Plan ahead to
ensure our av staff is able to accommodate your event; depending on the
complexity of your needs, you may need to rent av equipment,
microphones, and other such equipment at your expense.  We are generally
able to provide the resources described in the Event Planning
Information document with sufficient advanced planning in light of our
own limited staff resources.  You will need to arrange any other
materials or services at your expense unless otherwise arranged; vendors
or deliveries must be coordinated with the Exhibits and Outreach
Librarian.

Who do I contact about scheduling the Gallery or to discuss an idea for
an event or exhibit?

Contact Karen Jordan, Exhibits and Outreach Librarian at 734-615-5783 or
kjordan@umich.edu to discuss ideas or proposals.  Proposals are reviewed
on an ongoing basis. 
 
How much time in advance of the exhibit or event should the Gallery be
scheduled?

Exhibits are often scheduled 12 months or more in advance.  Events
should be scheduled at least 8 weeks in advance. 

Decisions are based on relatedness to the Library’s mission and the
University's academic goals and calendar availability. The Exhibits and
Outreach Librarian and the Associate University Librarian for Public
Services determine scheduling.

Note that the Gallery is typically scheduled as much as 18 months in
advance though shorter timeframes are not unusual.  We will do our best
to accommodate inquiries that are consistent with our mission.  Feel
free to contact the Exhibits and Outreach Librarian informally in the
early stages of your planning and with any questions you may have.

How do I propose and exhibit or event?

Before contacting the Library for a proposed event, please review the
Exhibit and Event Guidelines and Event Planning Information then
complete the Event Proposal Form. These materials are provided on this
website.

For exhibits, kindly review the Exhibit and Event Guidelines and
complete the Exhibit Proposal Form.  Exhibit proposals accompanied by
proposals for related and supporting events (such as related lectures,
panels, films, or readings) are particularly welcome.

Send the completed form to the MLibrary's Exhibit and Outreach
Librarian, Karen Jordan at kjordan@umich.edu.  She will contact you
promptly to confirm receipt and discuss your proposal.