Library Policies: Photographing or Filming in Library Buildings

Policies

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Commercial Photography
It is University policy that no photographing or filming be done inside any University building for commercial or advertising purposes. Persons found bringing equipment into one of the libraries for such purposes, or already in the act of filming, will be asked to leave. If they refuse to do so, a library security officer, or lacking that, the University police, should be summoned.

Press and Publicity Photography
There are valid and worthwhile photography projects involving the libraries, but in all cases the photographer must first request permission from the Associate University Librarian for Public Services or his or her delegate. This permission must be requested on weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. when Library Administrative Services is normally open. The AUL for Public Services or his or her delegate may specify when a photographing/filming project will take place in order to minimize disruption. Please send all requests to Jason Helms for approval at jason.helms@yale.edu.

Press and other news media seeking to take pictures inside the libraries must receive permission from both the Yale Licensing Department and the AUL for Public Services or his or her delegate. Please complete the Film Application from the Yale Licensing Department for approval. Photographers representing Yale organizations must receive permission from the Associate University Librarian for Public Services or his or her delegate. In summary, any news, magazine or TV photographer must get permission to photograph inside the libraries. Once permission has been granted, the head of the library involved will be informed of it and the date and time that the event will take place.

These permissions are important not only to protect library users and security but also to help the approved photographer get his work done quickly, efficiently, and correctly.

Use of Electrical Power
One of the requirements for any filming involving the use of electrical power for cameras and/or floodlights is that a University electrician be in attendance to supervise the use of outlets and panel boards. Unfortunate experiences involving damaged lines and blown fuses in the past have made this requirement necessary. If it is apparent to library staff that such an electrician is not present, filmers or photographers should not be allowed to proceed. For planning purposes, it takes one week to schedule the electrician.

Personal Photography
Picture taking by sight-seers using hand-held, self-contained cameras is allowed as long as it does not interfere with the work of the libraries' users or staff.

Disruption/Privacy of Patrons
The privacy of patrons must not be violated. Photographers/filmers must receive permission to photograph/film readers and Library staff prior to capturing their image.