The library has a significant interest in maintaining an environment that allows cardholders to freely access library information and resources. This significant interest requires the library to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its cardholders and staff and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and well-being. In order to provide appropriate safeguards against such behavior and enforce policies and procedures addressing that behavior when it occurs, the library has adopted the following policy regarding the taking of photographs or videos inside the library building.
General Policy
Photography and video recording may be conducted in public areas of the library building for personal, noncommercial use.
Photography and video recording should not
- use tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment. To use these types of equipment, please request permission at least 24 hours in advance using the Media Production Agreement .
- take place in library locations and/or exhibition areas where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms, rooms reserved for nursing, museum artifacts, and archival materials).
- take place in areas reserved for staff use only.
- compromise a visitor or staff member’s right to privacy
- harass, intimidate, or threaten a visitor or staff member
- blocks library aisles, walkways, stairwells, doors, or exits.
- impede the ingress or egress of visitors or staff to or from the library building.
Commercial
The library may permit use of its facilities for the taking of commercial photographs or videos if the project does not interfere with the mission of the library and is in accordance with the rest of the policy. The library will charge a fee to offset costs incurred by the library to provide access to the facility and prior per mission must be sought at least one week in advance.
By the Library
The library may take photos, videos, and audio recordings at the library and during library events to use in its publicity materials and on its website and social media sites. The library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the library building and grounds. These photographs, videos, and audio recordings may be copied, displayed, televised, and published (including on any library website or social media site). Any individual that does not wish the library to use a photograph or video of them or their child should inform a library staff member prior to or while such photographs or videos are being taken.
Of Library Board Meetings
Pursuant to Section 120/2.05 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.), any person may record the proceedings of the library Board and other meetings required by the Act to be open to the public. The recordings may be made by tape, film or other means and shall not disrupt the meeting or create a safety hazard.
Liability
Persons involved in taking photographs or videos are solely liable for any injuries to persons or property that result from their activities on library property. They also have sole responsibility for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions required by law from persons who can be identified in any photograph or video for copyrighted materials. The library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases or permissions.
Right Subject to Compliance with Policy
The library reserves the right to ask any individual or group violating this policy to cease the taking of photographs or videos.