Public Services – 303
Approved by the Board of Trustees January 19, 2022
St. Joseph Public Library
Filming and Photography Policy
Public libraries are classified as “limited public forums,” which essentially recognizes that libraries have the ability to designate “time, place, and manner” restrictions on speech and speech-related activities occurring on their property as long as the restrictions are both reasonable in nature and viewpoint neutral.
Filming and photography are allowed only to the extent that it does not interfere with the delivery of library services and is consistent with the St. Joseph Public Library (SJPL) mission. All parties involved in filming and photography are expected to follow the SJPL’s Behavior Policy.
Persons filming or photographing on library premises have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. SJPL undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases. Presence in an SJPL facility is not consent on behalf of patrons for use of their image or likeness by any third party.
Failure to obtain releases and permissions from persons being filmed or photographed will be deemed unacceptable behavior under the SJPL’s Behavior Policy.
Library staff shall terminate any photo session that violates SJPL policies or appears to compromise public safety, patron confidentiality, or security, or is incompatible with the normal activity of the library’s use, safety, and function.
News Media Filming and Photography
SJPL welcomes news media photographers and reporters who are doing stories or projects that directly involve the library and its programs, resources, and services. Authorization for such coverage must be obtained in advance from the SJPL Director.
SJPL does not grant permission for news media to use its facilities for stories or projects that do not directly relate to the library itself. SJPL forbids use of library facilities as interview venues for unrelated stories and denies access to patrons of the library for opinion polls or interviews within its facilities.
Documentary-Type Filming and Photography for Publication or Broadcast
SJPL may permit photography and filming of its premises and activities when the use of such involves the library directly, i.e. books, articles, or videos about the library itself, the SJPL’s position as a learning destination, or as part of a piece used to describe St. Joseph. Authorization must be obtained in advance from the SJPL Director.
Research Photography
SJPL permits research photography of its materials and resources within certain limitations. Researchers and journalists are responsible for following library policy and obtaining their own permissions from the appropriate authority when photographing proprietary or copyrighted material in the library.
Amateur Filming and Photography
Casual amateur photography and videotaping is permitted for patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit for personal use. The use of additional equipment such as lighting is not permitted. Amateur photographers have explicit responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. Photography and videoing for commercial use or dissemination on a public platform must be obtained in advance from the SJPL director.
Photography for Groups and Non-Library Events in Meeting Rooms
Groups reserving SJPL’s public meeting rooms may arrange for photographers and news media during their event. Filming and photography for such events is restricted to the space reserved by the group and must not take place in other areas of the library without advance authorization of the Library Director. Said groups are responsible for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed.
Exterior Filming, Photography, or Other Recording.
Any person or entity taking photographs, video footage, or other audio or visual recording on library grounds shall do so in a manner that would not impede or discourage the ingress or egress of any patrons, employees, or other visitors entering or exiting a library building. Impeding the ingress or egress of patrons, employees, or other visitors entering or exiting a library building will be deemed unacceptable behavior under the SJPL’s Behavior Policy.