Loan Policy

Borrowing Items from the BICLM Collections

The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (BICLM) supports access to its distinctive collections through an outgoing loan program available to cultural institutions for exhibitions. We lend original materials from our collection to museums, libraries, and other qualified organizations that meet professional standards for exhibition display, security, and environmental conditions.

Types of Loans

• Individual Collection Items: Institutions may request to borrow specific objects from our collections to be included in their own curated exhibitions.
• Complete Traveling Exhibitions: If your institution is interested in hosting a fully curated exhibition, including artwork, text labels, and exhibition materials, please visit our Traveling Exhibitions page.
  
   

Loan Eligibility & Requirements

• BICLM considers loan requests from institutions with a professional exhibition program, an acceptable physical environment, and staff experienced in handling historical and fragile materials.
• Requests must be submitted at least nine (9) months in advance of the exhibition opening.
• Borrowing institutions are responsible for all costs, including conservation review, packing, shipping, insurance, and any required courier expenses. 
  
   

How to Submit a Loan Request

To request a loan, please provide:

1. A formal letter detailing the exhibition, including purpose, location(s), and duration.
2. A completed Facilities Report for each venue, including climate control and security measures.
3. A detailed list of requested objects, including titles, creators, and any relevant catalog information.
4. Contact information for the institution’s exhibition registrar or loan coordinator.
   
    

For further details, please review The Ohio State University Libraries Outgoing Loan Agreement

If you have questions or would like to begin the loan request process, please contact cartoons@osu.edu