Harney County Library
PHOTOGRAPHY, RECORDING AND FILMING POLICY
Policy Statement
Harney County Library (HCL) supports the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and press as they pertain to libraries, librarians and library patrons. Photography and filming, as described below, are allowed to the extent that the activity does not infringe upon any user’s right to quiet enjoyment of the library, free from harassment or fear that their reading, viewing or research activity will be recorded and disclosed without their consent.
Library facilities are considered “limited public forums” when it comes to First Amendment rights. In these spaces, we recognize our obligation consistent with the First Amendment to allow activities that relate to the mission of the Library – reading, writing and quiet contemplation. Conversely, other activities, such as the right to photograph, record or film, can be restricted if they interfere with library functions or operations.
Library customers should be able to use library services without fear that their identity, location, or reading choices will be published.
Definitions
The terms photograph or photography, recording or filming are used generally and refer to any method including photography, filming, videotaping or any other process of still or moving image or audiovisual capturing in any method used now or in the future.
Amateur Photography
Casual amateur photography by customers and visitors wanting a memento of their visit is permitted in Library facilities so long as additional equipment such as tripods and/or lighting is not used and filming only captures the image of the person filming or of people who have provided express permission to be filmed/recorded.
General Policy Regarding Permission
Permission is required for any filming or photography that could potentially disrupt operations or that will require permission from people who may be filmed while in a facility; it is also required if filming location is not readily accessible or requires special accommodation or access. Requests for permission to film, photograph or record must generally be made at least 24 hours prior.
Permission is not required for photographing/filming/recording in public areas if no tripods, lights or other specialized equipment is used and images of people in the library are not captured. There may be designated areas in library locations and/or exhibition areas or other areas or events where photographing is prohibited.
Approval of Requests
The Library Director is authorized to grant permission to photograph/film/record the interior of Library buildings, setting the conditions under which the photographing may take place.
The Library Director may terminate any session that appears to be disruptive to library operations, compromising to public safety or security of people, buildings or collections, or damaging to library public image.
Factors Considered for Approval
The Library Director will consider and act upon requests for permission to photograph considering:
Exterior Photography
Photographing the exteriors of Library buildings does not require permission; photography may not impede the ingress or egress of visitors or staff to or from any Library building.
Library Events and Promotions
Occasionally HCL staff may elect to photograph or film library programs and/or events. The library reserves the right to include these images in brochures, flyers, web pages, news releases or other promotional materials, as well as make them available to media outlets and event participants. When names or images are used by the library for publicity or other library-related uses, the library obtains patron permission or allows patrons to opt out of having their image recorded.
Media Requests
While HCL has an open-door policy for news media photographers and reporters whose stories directly involve the library’s programs, resources, collections, and services, obtaining advance permission is extremely important to:
Protect the safety and privacy of those using Library facilities and resources
Ensure Library business is conducted without disruption
Ensure that the Library’s users are not unduly disturbed
Media representatives must obtain approval from the Library Director and must be accompanied by a member of the HCL staff during all photographing.
Nonprofit, Academic or Research Projects
Photographers working on nonprofit, academic, or research projects that affect the operation of the Library must secure authorization in advance to avoid disrupting Library operations.
Research photography of the Library's materials and resources is permitted within certain limitations. Using Library facilities as interview venues for unrelated stories as well as photographing Library users for opinion polls or “person on the street” interviews is prohibited without prior approval from the Library Director.
Researchers and journalists are responsible for obtaining their own permissions when photographing copyrighted material in the Library. Additional permissions must be obtained from HCL to photograph materials or items in special collections (Western History Room) because of complex copyright issues in these areas. Discussing what advanced authorizations are required with a Western History Room staff member can expedite this process.
Commercial Photography
Library buildings may not be used as setting for a creative film or videotape, advertisements, fashion shoots or for any other photography which will be used for commercial purposes without the prior approval from the Library Director. The production company shall compensate the Library for staffing expenses necessary to open, secure, and monitor Library premises during a shoot at overtime rates.
Movie and Music Industry
The Library may permit use of its facilities by the movie or music industry for film projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the mission of the Harney County Library, is in accordance with the rest of this policy and does not advertise or promote commercial products. The production company shall compensate the Library for staffing expenses necessary to open, secure, and monitor Library premises during a shoot at overtime rates.
Library Liability for Injuries
Permission to photograph/film/record does not release the persons or groups involved from liability for injuries to persons or property that result from their activities on Library property.
Photographic Releases
Photographers filming or photographing on Library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who can be identified in any photography. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.
Approved May 31, 2022
Harney County Library (HCL) supports the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech and press as they pertain to libraries, librarians and library patrons. Photography and filming, as described below, are allowed to the extent that the activity does not infringe upon any user’s right to quiet enjoyment of the library, free from harassment or fear that their reading, viewing or research activity will be recorded and disclosed without their consent.
Library facilities are considered “limited public forums” when it comes to First Amendment rights. In these spaces, we recognize our obligation consistent with the First Amendment to allow activities that relate to the mission of the Library – reading, writing and quiet contemplation. Conversely, other activities, such as the right to photograph, record or film, can be restricted if they interfere with library functions or operations.
Library customers should be able to use library services without fear that their identity, location, or reading choices will be published.
Definitions
The terms photograph or photography, recording or filming are used generally and refer to any method including photography, filming, videotaping or any other process of still or moving image or audiovisual capturing in any method used now or in the future.
Amateur Photography
Casual amateur photography by customers and visitors wanting a memento of their visit is permitted in Library facilities so long as additional equipment such as tripods and/or lighting is not used and filming only captures the image of the person filming or of people who have provided express permission to be filmed/recorded.
General Policy Regarding Permission
Permission is required for any filming or photography that could potentially disrupt operations or that will require permission from people who may be filmed while in a facility; it is also required if filming location is not readily accessible or requires special accommodation or access. Requests for permission to film, photograph or record must generally be made at least 24 hours prior.
Permission is not required for photographing/filming/recording in public areas if no tripods, lights or other specialized equipment is used and images of people in the library are not captured. There may be designated areas in library locations and/or exhibition areas or other areas or events where photographing is prohibited.
Approval of Requests
The Library Director is authorized to grant permission to photograph/film/record the interior of Library buildings, setting the conditions under which the photographing may take place.
The Library Director may terminate any session that appears to be disruptive to library operations, compromising to public safety or security of people, buildings or collections, or damaging to library public image.
Factors Considered for Approval
The Library Director will consider and act upon requests for permission to photograph considering:
- The public interest
- Statutory requirements
- The library’s interest
- Issues of confidentiality
- The amount of time each project will require
- The need to maintain impartiality among competing photographers
- Any other purpose consistent with the status of the Library as a designated public forum that the Library Director deems to be in the interest of HCL
Exterior Photography
Photographing the exteriors of Library buildings does not require permission; photography may not impede the ingress or egress of visitors or staff to or from any Library building.
Library Events and Promotions
Occasionally HCL staff may elect to photograph or film library programs and/or events. The library reserves the right to include these images in brochures, flyers, web pages, news releases or other promotional materials, as well as make them available to media outlets and event participants. When names or images are used by the library for publicity or other library-related uses, the library obtains patron permission or allows patrons to opt out of having their image recorded.
Media Requests
While HCL has an open-door policy for news media photographers and reporters whose stories directly involve the library’s programs, resources, collections, and services, obtaining advance permission is extremely important to:
Protect the safety and privacy of those using Library facilities and resources
Ensure Library business is conducted without disruption
Ensure that the Library’s users are not unduly disturbed
Media representatives must obtain approval from the Library Director and must be accompanied by a member of the HCL staff during all photographing.
Nonprofit, Academic or Research Projects
Photographers working on nonprofit, academic, or research projects that affect the operation of the Library must secure authorization in advance to avoid disrupting Library operations.
Research photography of the Library's materials and resources is permitted within certain limitations. Using Library facilities as interview venues for unrelated stories as well as photographing Library users for opinion polls or “person on the street” interviews is prohibited without prior approval from the Library Director.
Researchers and journalists are responsible for obtaining their own permissions when photographing copyrighted material in the Library. Additional permissions must be obtained from HCL to photograph materials or items in special collections (Western History Room) because of complex copyright issues in these areas. Discussing what advanced authorizations are required with a Western History Room staff member can expedite this process.
Commercial Photography
Library buildings may not be used as setting for a creative film or videotape, advertisements, fashion shoots or for any other photography which will be used for commercial purposes without the prior approval from the Library Director. The production company shall compensate the Library for staffing expenses necessary to open, secure, and monitor Library premises during a shoot at overtime rates.
Movie and Music Industry
The Library may permit use of its facilities by the movie or music industry for film projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the mission of the Harney County Library, is in accordance with the rest of this policy and does not advertise or promote commercial products. The production company shall compensate the Library for staffing expenses necessary to open, secure, and monitor Library premises during a shoot at overtime rates.
Library Liability for Injuries
Permission to photograph/film/record does not release the persons or groups involved from liability for injuries to persons or property that result from their activities on Library property.
Photographic Releases
Photographers filming or photographing on Library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who can be identified in any photography. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.
Approved May 31, 2022