Filming and Photography Policy

Filming and photography are allowed as described below only to the extent that it does not interfere with the delivery of library services and is consistent with the Library's mission. All parties involved in filming and photography are expected to follow the Customer Code of Conduct (CUS-001).

For the safety and privacy of customers using the library, the person(s) filming or taking photos inside the library have sole responsibility for obtaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed.

The Library undertakes no responsibility for obtaining these releases.

Failure to obtain releases and permissions from persons being filmed or photographed will be deemed unacceptable behavior regarding the Library's Customer Code of Conduct.

Library staff may temporarily or permanently dismiss any photo session that goes against the Customer Code of Conduct, Library policies or appears to compromise public safety or security.

The Library is a limited, or designated public forum, and reasonable time, place and manner regulations are permissible.

News Media Photography and Videography

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, resources and services. Advance authorization for such coverage must be obtained from the Library's Communications Specialist, Director of Libraries or Librarian-In-Charge.

The Library may grant permission for news media to use its facilities for stories or projects that do not relate to the Library itself with prior approval from the Library's Communications Specialist, Director of Libraries or Librarian-in-Charge. However, research photography of the Library's materials and resources are permitted within certain limitations (see "Research Photography" section below). It disallows access to library customers for opinion polls or 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 videos about the Library itself, the Library's position in the City of Wichita as a tourist or learning destination, or as part of a piece used to describe Wichita. Authorization must be obtained in advance from the Library's Communications Specialist, Director of Libraries or Librarian-In-Charge.

Research Photography

The Library permits research photography of its materials and resources within certain limitations. Researchers and journalists are responsible for obtaining their own permissions when photographing copyrighted material in the library. Because of complex copyright issues, permission to reproduce some materials from the Genealogy and Local History Section may be denied or involve a fee (see REF-005 and REF-005.1). Advance authorization may be required for some materials.

Amateur Photography and Videography

Casual amateur photography and videotaping is permitted in lobby, study and program areas of library facilities for customers and visitors wanting a remembrance of their visit. The use of additional equipment such as lighting is not permitted. Amateur photographers have explicit responsibility for gaining all necessary releases and permissions from persons who are filmed or photographed.

Commercial Photography and Videography or Major Projects

The Library will permit use of its facilities for commercial photography or filming entertainment and educational projects where a library setting is called for, if the project does not interfere with the mission of the Wichita Public Library and is in accordance with the rest of this policy. Projects must be approved in advance. In order to avoid disruption of service to library customers, such use may take place only when the library is closed. Fees will be charged to offset costs incurred by the Library to provide access to the facility.

Photography and Videography for Groups and Non-Library Events in Meeting Rooms

Groups renting Library facilities may arrange for photographers and news media during their event. Filming and photography for such events is restricted to the space reserved by the group and may not take place in other areas of the Library.

CUS-006