Filming & Photography Policy

AUC Student/Faculty Photography and Filming Guidelines:

Effective January 30, 2026

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library is committed to fostering a secure, respectful, and academically focused environment where all patrons can access resources without interference. To support this commitment, the Library maintains policies that protect the privacy, dignity, and safety of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors. This Filming & Photography Policy establishes clear expectations to ensure that all recording and photography activities respect individual rights, preserve a productive learning environment, and support the Library’s ongoing operations.

Personal Photography and Videography

Personal, noncommercial photography or video is permitted under the following conditions:

• Library permission is not required for individual photography or video taken inpublic areasfor personal and noncommercial use.
• Other patrons may not be captured in photos or videos without their explicit consent.
• Only hand-held, self-contained cameras or mobile devices may be used.
• Personal photography or videography involves the use of flash, tripods, lighting, microphones, or additional equipment will be treated as commercial or editorial photography and filming. Therefore, prior approval from AUC Woodruff Library’s Communications Departmentwill be required with at least 10 business days advance notice.
• Photography or filming may be restricted or prohibited in certain locations, including:
  • Restrooms
  • Study rooms
  • Conference rooms
  • Certain exhibition or collection areas
• Individuals taking photos or videos are solely responsible for obtaining any necessary releases or permissions from persons recorded or photographed.
• Personal photography may not be used for commercial, promotional, or editorial purposes.

Library staff may request that photography cease at any time if it disrupts operations or violates policy.

Privacy and Patron Protection

To respect the rights and safety of all library users:

• Patrons may not record conversations or interactions with library staff without the staff member’s express permission.
  • If a patron refuses to stop recording when asked, campus police may be contacted, and the patron may be asked to leave the building.
• Photography, filming, or recording must not:
  • Compromise the privacy of patrons or staff
  • Harass, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with patrons or staff
  • Hinder daily library operations
  • Block aisles, walkways, doors, exits, stairways, or elevators
• Individuals are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright laws when photographing or filming copyrighted materials.

Commercial or Editorial Photography and Filming

Because the AUC Woodruff Library is a working academic environment, commercial or editorial projects require advance review:

• Requests for commercial, editorial, or professional photography/filming must be submitted to theAUC Woodruff Library’s Communications Department at least 10 business days in advance.
• Requests are evaluated individually, with consideration for academic impact, safety, privacy, and operational needs.
• Approval may include conditions regarding scheduling, equipment, space usage, staffing, or supervision.
• The Library may deny requests that interfere with access, violate privacy, or disrupt the academic environment.

Library-Wide Filming Requirements

In accordance with AUC Woodruff Library policy:

• Any photography or filming on the Library’s campus (interior and exterior) for broadcast, public dissemination, commercial use, or marketing requires advance permission from the Library’s Communications Department.
• Filming/photography may be limited to off-peak hours or times when classes are not in session.
• No filming or photography is permitted during restricted periods, including the week before and during mid-term and final examinations.
• The Library reserves the right to deny or restrict filming requests that conflict with its mission or operations.

Photography and Filming of Library Events and Programs

• Photography, filming, or recording at library events or programs requires permission from:
  • The AUC Woodruff Library’s Communications Department.
  • The hosting organization or individual.
• Individuals are responsible for ensuring that photographed or recorded participants have granted appropriate consent when required.

Library-Initiated Photography and Recording

The AUC Woodruff Library reserves the right to:

• Document library services, programs, events, and facilities.
• Capture photos, videos, or audio for use in publicity materials, digital platforms, and social media.

If a patron does not want their image or likeness used, they should notify a library staff member immediately, and reasonable efforts will be made to avoid including them in documentation.

Right to Terminate Photography or Filming

The AUC Woodruff Library reserves the right to ask any individual or group to cease photography, filming, or recording that:

• Violates this policy
• Disrupts library services
• Compromises privacy or safety
• Interferes with access to resources or spaces.

Contact

For commercial, editorial, or University-level filming requests contact the AUC Woodruff Library’s Communications Department:

AUC Woodruff Library’s Communications Department
Email: [email protected]

Graduation Photos at the AUC Woodruff Library

Graduation photography will be permitted at the AUC Woodruff Library on select dates and times, which will be posted soon.

Graduating students from Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College may be accompanied by one photographer. Photographers or assistants who are not affiliated with the AUC Woodruff Library must sign in at the security desk with a valid government-issued photo ID, in accordance with standard visitor procedures.

Photographers may bring one equipment bag, which is subject to inspection upon entry.