Photography and Filming Policies

The IU Bloomington Libraries support the learning, teaching, and research mission of the university. The following guidelines strive to balance the diverse needs of library users who rely on library resources, services, and environments to fulfill their academic goals.

Those who wish to photograph or film should:

  • Minimize disruption. Photographers should make every effort to minimize disruption. Be aware that lights, noise, and equipment can negatively impact the dynamics of an environment, especially in an area designated for quiet study.
  • Respect the wishes of others. Photographers should, as a courtesy, ask permission of subjects if their images will be featured or identified in the finished product. Photographers should respect the confidentiality of the subject’s identity and work.
  • Be aware of traffic flow. Photographers should not block stairwells or exits or otherwise impede traffic.

Staff may at any time request that photographers stop filming if the guidelines above are not followed to satisfaction.

These policies apply for the following locations: Business/SPEA Information Commons, Education Library, Herman B Wells Library, Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center Library, and the Sciences Library. For policies at other library locations, please refer to those libraries' websites. 

Additional notes: 

  • Wells Library: 
    Requests to photograph or film inside the Herman B Wells Library underscore the value of the many environments within the building. The Wells Library houses not only units administered by the IU Bloomington Libraries, but also by University Information Technology Services (UITS), Writing Tutorial Services, and others. These guidelines, while generally reflecting widely acknowledged principles of common courtesy, reflect only the position of the IU Bloomington Libraries. See also:  Wells Library Lobby Policies

Questions or comments regarding this policy should be directed to Libraries' Administration (libadmin @ indiana . edu).