News Media in the Library

New policy -DRAFT

Representatives of news media outlets (television, newspapers, radio, etc.) who contact the library must be referred to the Director or Director’s designee.

In the event a news media representative wishes to interview staff, that interview must be scheduled through the Director or the Director’s designee.

If the news media representative wishes to interview a library patron, he or she may do so as long in a manner the interview does not disrupt or disturb other patrons, as outlined in the Library Behavior Policy. If an interview is deemed by library staff to be disruptive or to disturb other patrons, the news media representative will be directed to a designated location to conduct the interview.

In regard to a library patron having his or her photograph taken, or being videotaped in the library, patrons have no reasonable expectation of privacy while in the library, due to the public nature of the building. There are no laws prohibiting photographs or video recording of individuals in public facilities. Additionally, the news media is not required to ask permission from people who appear in news pictures or stories (per opinion from the City Attorney July 26, 2006).

Adopted December 13, 2006