Photography and Video Policy
Library board approved: December 27th, 2022
The Alger Public Library maintains an environment that allows patrons to access library
information and resources. This requires the library to maintain policies that protect the privacy of its patrons and staff members and ensures their freedom from harassment, intimidation, and threats to their safety and wellbeing. 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.
Permission is not required to take photographs or videos in public areas of the library
building for personal, noncommercial use if no tripods, lights, or other specialized
equipment is used. However, there may be library locations and/or exhibition areas
where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms,
spaces reserved for nursing, children's areas, museum artifacts, and archival materials),
including areas reserved for staff use only. If tripods, lights, or other specialized
equipment is to be used, requests must be made in writing at least 24 hours in advance. Persons taking photographs and videos shall not (i) compromise a patron or staff member's right to privacy, (ii) harass, intimidate, or threaten a patron or staff member, or (iii) block library aisles, walkways, stairwells, doors, or exits.
Taking photographs and videos outside of the library building or on the library grounds
does not require permission. However, the activity may not impede the entering or
exiting of patrons or staff to or from the library building.
III. Commercial Photography and Videos
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
accommodates the rest of this policy. The library may charge a fee to offset costs
incurred by the library to provide access to the facility, and prior permission must be
sought in writing at least one week in advance.
IV. Photography and Videos of Materials and Resources
The library permits the taking of photographs and videos of its publicly available
collections. However, if patrons intend to utilize these publications for their own use, they are solely responsible for obtaining consent or other permission when taking photographs or videos of this copyrighted material.
V. Library Photography, Videos, and Recording
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.
VI. Library Board Meetings
Pursuant to Chapter 8: Duties of A Public Body, A: Openness, section 4: Audio and Video
Recording of the Ohio Open Meetings Act, 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.
VII. 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 or for copyrighted
materials. The library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases or
permissions.
VIII. 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. If the individual or group violating the policy does
not cease, and fail to comply with our policy, we have the right to call the local law
enforcement agency or to obtain any appropriate civil relief.