Photography Policy
Approved January 15, 2014 by the Troy-Miami County Public Library Board of Trustees
Policy
The public may take photographs and/or videos in public areas of the Library to record their own visit or capture a building’s architecture. However, such photography and/or videography may not include other patrons without their permission as this violates the expectation of privacy within a limited public forum. Permission to photograph or video record individuals must be granted by those individuals or their guardians. Minors cannot give permission – only their guardian can grant permission. Library staff will not administer permissions for members of the public to take photographs and/or videos of other individuals. Anyone taking photos should be mindful that some cultures object to being photographed.
TMCPL staff may stop any photography and/or videography that appears to interfere with TMCPL’s ability to conduct business, violates a patron’s privacy or that compromises public safety or security
Non-flash photography and/or videography is permitted at Library programs and events for personal use, provided that it is not disruptive. Library sponsored programs, events and classes may be photographed or videotaped for Library promotional or historical purposes by Library staff. Patrons may request not to have their photo taken.
Community organizations (legal nonprofits and governmental agencies) holding scheduled events or meetings in TMCPL study, conference, or meeting rooms may arrange for their own photography or videography of their event. The public may photograph and/or video record community events or meetings so long as the activity does not compromise public safety or security or interfere with the ability of the meeting organizer to conduct the business of the meeting.
Photography and/or videography of the exterior areas of Library property is allowed, as long as such activity complies with the Patron Code of Conduct and does not interfere with the flow of traffic and with patrons or staff wishing to enter or leave the building
Commercial Photography/Videography
No commercial photography and/or videography in Library facilities is permissible without the express permission of TMCPL, which shall set forth the conditions under which the photography or videography may take place. Requests may be made to the Engagement Manager at hbaker@tmcpl.org or by calling 937.339.0502 ext. 134.
Media provisions
TMCPL welcomes news media photographers, videographers, and reporters documenting stories or projects that directly involve TMCPL and its programs, resources and/or services, provided that notice is given and approved, the public use of the Library is not impeded, and the above provisions are followed. Requests may be made to the Engagement Manager at hbaker@tmcpl.org or by calling 937.339.0502 ext. 134.
We ask that news media photographers, videographers, and reporters do not approach minors for photography and/or videography requests unless an accompanying guardian grants permission. Minors are not able to provide consent and such requests are expressly prohibited.
We also ask that news media do not approach customers, or conduct or schedule interviews with the public, about non-Library stories or projects.
Individuals filming or photographing on Library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who can be identified in any photograph. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.
Photographing Materials
Researchers and journalists are responsible for obtaining permissions from material owners when photographing copyrighted material in the Library. Additional permissions must be obtained to photograph materials or items in special collections because of complex copyright issues in these areas.
Definitions
Photograph or photography - for purposes of this policy, photograph or photography means any method of media capture including image, video and audio recordings of any kind or process, including any method of still image or audiovisual capture now or in the future.
Library - for purposes of this policy, Library refers to buildings, property, and vehicles owned or leased by the Troy-Miami County Public Library