Photography & Photocopying Policy

• Photography
• Permission to Publish
• Photocopying
• Professional and Commercial Photography and Videography

• Readers may take photographs of collection materials for their personal use. Library staff reserves the right to restrict or prohibit photography when it may physically damage materials; disrupt other readers; violate donor restrictions and purchasing agreements; or if items have been previously digitized. The following rules apply across the Library. Additional rules and procedures may be in place in the Library’s Special Collections reading rooms.
• Patrons must comply with all reading room regulations:
  • Handheld cameras are permitted. Flash, lights, and tripods are prohibited.
  • Scanners are prohibited.
  • Cameras must be set on ‘mute’ so as not to disturb others.
  • The reading room staff will determine the manner in which materials are set up for photography.
  • Appropriate cradle or other supports for all bound items will be made available if necessary.
  • Do not press down on materials or bindings.
  • Unbound materials must be kept flat on the table.
  • Items in folders must remain in the order in which they were delivered.
  • Do not remove any fasteners.
  • Do not remove items from sleeves, mats, etc.
  • Ask for assistance if the item is large or the folding sequence is unclear when unfolding maps or foldouts in books.
  • Always use library materials on top of the table. No materials may be placed on the floor.
  • Standing on tables or chairs is not permitted.
  • Rearrangement of chairs, tables or lamps is not permitted.
  • No photographs of the staff, other researchers or certain reading rooms may be taken.
  • Photographing or filming in certain departments may only be done on assigned specific reading room tables.

• The Library holds the physical rights only to most materials. The Library does not grant written permission for any type of use of reproductions taken by readers unless it holds copyright to it.
• To request 300 dpi TIFF files, please visit our web site www.nypl.org/permissions to access the NYPL Permission order form, fee schedule, and further information.

• Library staff reviews all material before it can be photocopied.
• Some materials, because of their fragility, rarity, or size, can only be photocopied by Library staff. Fees and page limits apply. Staff-operated photocopy services are available in certain general and special collections departments. Staff will evaluate material and process requests in a timely manner.
• Self-service photocopying may not be approved if any of the following conditions apply:
  • Poor condition, such as fragile, brittle, faded, or damaged.
  • Too large for the surface of the copy machine.
  • From limited editions.
  • Items restricted by copyright law, donor wishes, or contractual agreement.
• The following items may NOT be photocopied under any circumstances:
  • Original artworks, photographic artworks, and fine prints.
  • Three dimensional items.

The Library permits personal photography and video for private, non-commercial use during operating hours.

Hand-held cameras and personal cellular devices may be used, without a flash, to photograph and film unless otherwise prohibited in specific locations and collection spaces.

Personal photographs and videos cannot be published, sold, reproduced, transferred, distributed, or otherwise commercially exploited in any manner whatsoever.

What Is Not Allowed

• Commercial and professional camera or video equipment of any type such as lighting kits, reflectors, backdrops, tripods, monopods, selfie-sticks, or drones
• Staged photo shoots (e.g., engagement shoots, modeling shoots)
• Photography and video in areas where photography is prohibited or where patrons or staff have a reasonable expectation of privacy
• Use of flash
• Group photography that impacts public access in any way
• Private access to any NYPL space or area during public hours
• Props or backdrops
• Climbing or posing on NYPL architecture, sculptures, or other building structures

NYPL reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to withhold and/or withdraw permission to photograph on its premises at any time.

Private and professional wedding photography taking place outside of Library hours is reserved only for couples who are hosting their weddings at the Library.

At the discretion of the Library, Library spaces may be rented after hours as a setting for creative film or commercial photography (including film and fashion projects, major motion pictures, documentary work, tourism materials, etc). Standard rental rates and licensing fees will apply. All commercial filming is subject to NYPL approval.

For more information regarding filming or photography at NYPL please inquire in writing to:

The New York Public Library
Office of Special Events
Phone: 212-930-0730
Email: spev@nypl.org