Guidelines for filming and video in the libraries 

If you are a student, faculty member, or member of the community who would like to photograph, film, or record video in the University of Iowa Libraries for non-commercial purposes:

If you are a student, faculty member, or member of the community who would like to photograph, film, or record video in the Special Collections at the Libraries for non-commercial purposes:

If you want to photograph, film, or record video in the Libraries for commercial purposes, you must:

Guidelines

Use of photographic, videotape, or film equipment within the Libraries

  • Must occur during Libraries’ regular operating hours.
  • In general, access to staff offices and other non-public and staff-only areas is not permitted.
  • Must be accomplished without interfering with the study, research, privacy, or safety needs of library users.
  • Must not interfere with the ability of library staff to function.
  • Must be done within the constraints of all university policies, rules, or regulations.
  • Must not hinder access to exits, stairways, corridors, doorways, and other library facilities.
  • Cannot involve the use of camera dollies, smoke, and smoke effects, etc.
  • May be restricted during midterms or near final examinations.

Responsibilities of the filmmaker, photographer, and/or film crew

  • Return library facilities to the original condition found before filming started. Libraries staff will not be responsible for moving furniture, setting up film shots, or assisting with the film setup or take down.
  • Bear of the cost for the repair of any damage incurred.
  • The filmmaker/photographer shall not present any individual in a defamatory manner or violate any individual’s expectation of privacy.

Consent

  • Persons who could be photographed or recorded should be informed when such activity is imminent.
  • Any individual may decline being photographed or recorded and is not required to be subject to photography or recording.
  • The filmmaker/photographer is encouraged to obtain the prior written consent of any individual, including any library users or library staff, who will appear in or be the subject of the photography/videotaping/filming. Obtaining written consent is especially encouraged for any individual having a prominent role (e.g., speaks at some length) in the photography/videotaping/filming or for any individual who displays or creates a copyrighted work during the photography/videotaping/filming.

The Libraries reserve the right to terminate any photography, videotaping, or filming that causes an undue disturbance, violates Libraries or university policies or regulations, or endangers the health and safety of participants, library users, or library staff.