Filming and photography are permitted in and around Schaumburg Township District Library facilities under the conditions described herein, only to the extent that it does not interfere with the operation, programs, activities, and mission of the Library.

Permission is not required for taking photographs or videos in public areas of the Library building for personal, noncommercial use if no tripods, lights, or other specialized equipment is used. Any person desiring to bring in professional recording equipment, including but not limited to tripods, lights, or other specialized recording equipment must follow the procedures set forth in the next section. However, there may be Library locations and/or exhibition areas where the taking of photographs or videos is restricted or prohibited (i.e., restrooms, rooms reserved for nursing, child care areas). Taking photographs or videos of, or in, areas reserved for staff use only is also prohibited. 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.

Commercial or Media Filming/Photography

The Library may permit the use of its facilities for taking commercial photographs or videos if, in the discretion of the Executive Director, the commercial photographs or videos does not interfere with the mission of the Library and is in accordance with the rest of this policy. No commercial or media photography may occur in the Library facilities without the prior written permission and approval of the Executive Director. Prior permission must be sought and granted at least one week in advance of any commercial photography or videos. Such approval shall contain the conditions under which the commercial or media photography/filming will take place, and address the rights to ownership of the photos/films. The Library reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to deny use of recording equipment, and will determine where any permitted recording equipment is allowed in the space. The Library will not assume any liability for the damage/destruction of any equipment brought in by a person, group, or their audio/video engineers. A certificate of liability insurance listing the Library as an additional insured is required for any recordings that are permitted by the Library. The Library will charge a fee to offset costs incurred by the Library to provide access to the facility.

Exterior Photography and Videos

Taking photographs and videos outside of the Library building and/or of the library grounds does not require permission. However, the activity must not impede the ingress or egress of patrons or staff to or from the Library buildings.

Photography and Videos of Materials and Resources

The Library permits the taking of photographs and videos of its publicly-available collections. However, patrons are solely responsible for obtaining consent or other permission when taking photographs or videos of copyrighted materials.

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 (including on any library website or social media site). 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. 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.

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.

Library Board Meetings

Pursuant to Section 120/2.05 of the Illinois Open Meetings Act (5 ILCS 120/1 et seq.), 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.

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, videos, or recording sessions.

Approved by Schaumburg Township District Library Board of Trustees, October 17, 2022.