Purpose

The purpose of the Wilson County Public Library Publicity Policy is to establish an approved process for handling library communications with news media, newsgathering in the library, and photography and recording within library facilities.

Library Spokesperson

In order to provide the most current and consistent library information, all contact with news media will be carried out through the Library Director. All inquiries from reporters or other media persons should be reported immediately to the Library Director, or the Assistant Library Director in the absence of the Director. Library employees should avoid speculation on any topic and refrain from offering personal opinions about library policies or programs. 

Questions from the public regarding the general operations or direction of the library should be referred to the Library Director. Inquiries related to the underlying principles of a policy that are open to interpretation from a political, constitutional, and/or legal perspective should be referred to the Library Director. Examples of such policies include but are not limited to those covering Internet Access, Filtering, Intellectual Freedom, and Meeting Room issues. Inquiries regarding the library budget should be referred to the Library Director.

Laws Relevant to Policy

While the library is a public place, it is considered a “limited public forum”. Also relevant is law regarding confidentiality of library records and privacy of library users.

Photography and Video or Audio Recording in the Library

Photography or recording by the library

Wilson County Public Library staff has the right to photograph, film, and record library events and customers for promotional use. Visitors to the library, or participants in any library event, will be advised in advance, verbally or through signage, that their participation in the event acts as consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded, unless they otherwise clearly indicate to the contrary to library staff. To ensure the privacy of all individuals, their images will not be identified using full names or personal identifying information without written approval from the photographed subject, parent or legal guardian. 

In addition to the policies in the preceding paragraph, closed events such as school visits would require releases and/or permission from the supervisor of the visiting organization. 

Photography or recording by members of the public or the media

Any person who wishes to conduct newsgathering in the library must obtain permission from the Library Director or Assistant Director in the Director’s absence. Examples of newsgathering include (but are not limited to): photographing, video recording, or audio recording customers or staff. Staff members witnessing anyone engaged in such activity must inform them of the policy and ask that they request and gain permission from the Director before further conducting newsgathering in the library.  

Photography and video or audio recording by visitors to the library are generally permitted if it is strictly for personal use, such as taking pictures with friends or recording their child getting their library card. In order to protect the rights to privacy of individual customers and to prevent conduct inconsistent with library policy, such personal photography and recording on library property is restricted as follows:

1. Under no circumstances may the public take photographs or record video or audio of any library customer or staff member without their express permission. In the case of minors, permission must come from the parent or legal guardian.
2. Those recording photographs, audio, or video are subject to the provisions of the Customer Conduct Policy.
3. In the event of a critical incident or emergency requiring police or fire response, public and media access may be limited to allow emergency personnel to ensure safety and security.
4. The terms above apply to the media as well as to amateur photographers and audio/video creators.

Applicable Personnel/Departments

• All LibraryStaff

Approval(s)

• Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Management Team (10/05/2023)
• Reviewed and approved by the Wilson County Public Library Board of Trustees (10/17/2023)