Purpose
To establish guidelines for the collection and use of photographs and videorecordings by the staff of the Oradell Public Library (hereinafter “Library”), and, to establish under which conditions films, photographs or videorecordings may be taken by the public, creative film industry, or news media (“third person”).
Introduction
The duty of fulfilling the Library’s mission is its first priority and the filming and photography described below is allowed only to the extent that it does not interfere with the provision of library services and is consistent with the Library’s Mission Statement and stipulated rules regulations and policies. Filming on Library property should not be construed to imply Library endorsement of the film or its message.
All photographic, video, or audio recordings made within the Library facilities must be authorized by the Library Director or his/her designee. Use of Library facilities for photographs, video, or audio recording is governed by the Board of Trustees of the Oradell Public Library, whose resolutions formulate the policy for staff and patrons to follow.
Use of Library locations requires special permission in most circumstances. For example, special permission is needed for access to certain areas where videorecording activities might interrupt the normal flow of patron activity, business, or traffic; or where a videorecoding might interfere with staff workflow and concentration.
Note that any third person granted permission to film, record by video, or photograph on Library premises will have sole responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases. Since the mission of the Library is to provide and promote an atmosphere conducive to education, lifelong learning, and research, it reserves the right to limit photographic, video, or audio recording activities to assure that this atmosphere is maintained. In general, access will be limited to public and public service areas of the Library. Access to staff areas and other areas closed to the public may be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis by the Library Director.
Please note:
1. All third persons involved in filming, videorecording, audiorecording, and photography are expected to follow the Library’s policies.
2. Library staff may terminate any filming, videorecording, audiorecording, and photography session that appears to compromise the Library’s policies, public safety, or security.
3. Failure to obtain releases and permissions from persons being filmed, videorecorded, audiorecorded, or photographed will be deemed unacceptable behavior for purposes of enforcing the Library’s mission and policies and will result in immediate termination of the project.
4. The Library Director reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of any proposed content. No negative presentations, perceptions created or portrayals of the Library, nor any negative Librarian stereotypes, will be agreed upon.
Photography for Library Purposes
The Library periodically sponsors or conducts classes or events during which there may be photographs or videorecordings of participants. Since the Library is a public facility, photographs and videorecordings of adults and children attending these classes or events may be taken and used for Library purposes. Library staff that are working during a Library event and are responsible for taking photographs/videorecordings will be wearing appropriate Library identification and where required shall introduce themselves to potential subjects that may be featured in photography/video images for the Library.
Attendance at a Library sponsored class or event constitutes the consent of all attendees, and the consent of the parents or legal guardians of any minor children in attendance, to the future broadcast, publication, or other use of photographs, videorecordings, or other recordings at the sole discretion of the Library.
The Library may utilize photographs and videorecordings from public programs and events at Library facilities and Library spaces on its website, social media, and in Library publications. Photographs, images, and videorecordings submitted to the Library by users for online galleries or contests may also be used by the Library for promotional purposes. To ensure the privacy of all individuals, including children, images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian.
Amateur Photography
Casual amateur photography, filming, and videorecording is permitted in Library facilities by patrons and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit provided that the photography does not interfere in any way with Library operations or capture any identifiable likenesses of individuals without their permission. Any such photographers are responsible for arranging all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed. Except as otherwise permitted in the section “Photography for Library Purposes,” under no circumstances may anyone take a photograph, film, or record by video a Library patrons without the express consent of the individuals, or their parents/guardians, if minors. The use of additional equipment such as lighting is not permitted without the approval of the Library Director.
News Media Photography
The Library has an open-door policy for news media photographers and reporters who are doing stories or projects that directly involve the Library and its programs. Authorization for news media photography must be obtained in advance from the Library Director.
The Library does not grant permission for news media to use its facilities for stories or projects that do not relate to the Library itself; however, research photography of the Library’s materials and resources are permitted within certain limitations (see “Research Photography” section below). It disallows using Library facilities as interview venues for unrelated stories, and disallows access to library patrons for opinion polls or “man-on-the-street” interviews within its facilities.
Documentary-Type Photography for Publication or Broadcast
The Library permits photography of its premises and activities when the use of the photographs involves the Library directly, i.e. books, articles, or videorecordings about the Library itself, the Library’s role as a destination for lifelong learning in the Borough of Oradell, or as part of a piece used to describe the region’s environs. Authorization for documentary photography must be obtained in advance from the Library Director.
Download Application
Research Photography
The Library permits research photography of its materials and resources within certain limitations. Due to the rarity and delicate nature of archival materials held in the Library’s Local History Collection and other special collections, authorization to photograph these items must be obtained from the Library Director to photograph these items. Because of these issues, permission to reproduce materials from these divisions may in some cases be denied or involve a fee. Please discuss your needs with the Library Director in these areas before planning your project to obtain advance authorization.
Researchers and journalists are responsible for obtaining their permissions from the copyright holder when photographing copyrighted material in the Library, including items in the Local History Collection.
Movie, Broadcast Television, Cable, and Music Industries
The Library will permit use of its facilities by the movie, television, cable, or music industries for filming major entertainment projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the mission of the Oradell Public Library, is in accordance with the rest of this policy, and does not advertise or promote commercial products.
Because the Library wishes to avoid any appearance, no matter how slight, of impropriety or impression of political preference, the Library will not permit filming related to political campaigns or to partisan issues.
Those projects permitted in this category must be approved in advance through the Library Director and Board of Trustees, with details worked out in advance with the Library. Such filming may take place only during hours approved by the Library Director, and all technical staff, including talent, and equipment for the entertainment shoot must not interfere with Library staff and patron activity.
Download Application
Commercial Photography
The Library does not permit commercial photography on or in its facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, using library buildings, grounds or interiors as a stage set for portraiture, model photography, and product photography. This includes photography, filming, or videorecording used to advertise goods or services unrelated to the Library for commercial sale or promotion.
Approved by the Oradell Public Library Board of Trustees on March 13, 2024.