Privacy Policy

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.

  1. General Policy

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.

  1. Exterior Photography and Videos

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.

 

Image removed.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.