Thrown Out of a Library for Taking Pictures. Help.

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wilonstott said:
I am graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University...
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State University Library (I work at a state college) would make me think Public Building. I'd not concern myself with their complaints until they can show you where it is stated that you cannot photograph. The public is allowed in to browse and read and photocopy, this says to me public space.


Keith said:
I have to ask the obvious ... everything?

Please elaborate! :D
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In the Columbia University Library there were (likely are still) deep stacks in the library where much sex occured (likely still occurs).
 
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On a side note, I'd demand a notice of their policy on photography in a sports venue, i.e. basketball, football game, etc. I'd venture a guess they have no problem subjecting your likeness to be captured without written consent in such a case.
 
Sounds like a Social Science to me, Keith...
But any events I can recall in college were in the "listening rooms" ...Geez, I hope no one WAS listening....
 
BTW, I am the one who said "screw 'em", and I stand by it. Any state whose State Trooper gets fired for demanding a ...personal serice.. Or a porn star they pull over for speeding, well, tell me I'm wrong, Memphis, old buddy...
 
Yeah, you're wrong, they can absolutely stop you. I've been told to quit snapping in the library at the college where I work, and I work there! Universities like to control images of their facilities pretty strictly, in general, and it is indeed private property. I've not heard of people outside on a campus getting harrassed before, but in theory this is also totally kosher... I do "street" on my campus often, though, and nobody's ever been bothered by it.
 
mabelsound said:
Yeah, you're wrong, they can absolutely stop you. I've been told to quit snapping in the library at the college where I work, and I work there! Universities like to control images of their facilities pretty strictly, in general, and it is indeed private property. I've not heard of people outside on a campus getting harrassed before, but in theory this is also totally kosher... I do "street" on my campus often, though, and nobody's ever been bothered by it.
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Is it private property?
 
charjohncarter said:
Is it private property?
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That's a good question. i think a public university is still private property. I mean, you can't barge into the clean room of the science lab, or strut around in the women's restroom (if you're a dude) or sit it on classes without permission from the instructor. These environments are bound by rules I think it's the photographer's responsibility to abide by. You could take it to court but honestly, the ACLU would roll their eyes.

That said, all bets are off on city streets. Throw the book at 'em there.
 
mabelsound said:
Yeah, you're wrong, they can absolutely stop you. I've been told to quit snapping in the library at the college where I work, and I work there! Universities like to control images of their facilities pretty strictly, in general, and it is indeed private property. I've not heard of people outside on a campus getting harrassed before, but in theory this is also totally kosher... I do "street" on my campus often, though, and nobody's ever been bothered by it.
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Bob Jones University is private too and we know what happened to them. The Boy Scouts tried Constitutional violations also. The SC said go for it in both cases, but, you lose your tax exempt status and any direct government subsidy.
 
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Some public spaces, (open to the public for the use by the public as the public) may indeed be private property, regardless of who, or what actually owns the building. Even if the government, therefore the people, own the structure, the managers of it are expected to run it. They have the right and obligation to set rules of conduct. If a ban on photography is one of them you have no recourse.

I spend a lot of time in public libraries and I would personally resent the intrusion and interruption.

Considering the potential copyright issues I wouldn't be surprised if cameras were totally banned inside most libraries.
 
Vertigo2020 said:
The Boy Scouts also tried Constitutional violations also.
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There's a big difference between discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation and not letting people take pictures of strangers where those strangers expect privacy. The first is discrimination against one's essential nature, the second is merely limiting what particular activities can take place in a facility intended for a specific purpose.

Look, I photograph strangers constantly--I love it. But in public, outdoors, where there is no expectation of privacy. We are talking about a library here. it exists specifically so that people won't be bothered. the university's rule is completely reasonable. When they kick you out of the library for being gay, call the ACLU. But if they ask you to go take your snaps outside, just apologize and put your camera away.
 
mabelsound said:
There's a big difference between discriminating against people because of their sexual orientation and not letting people take pictures of strangers where those strangers expect privacy. The first is discrimination against one's essential nature, the second is merely limiting what particular activities can take place in a facility intended for a specific purpose.

Look, I photograph strangers constantly--I love it. But in public, outdoors, where there is no expectation of privacy. We are talking about a library here. it exists specifically so that people won't be bothered. the university's rule is completely reasonable. When they kick you out of the library for being gay, call the ACLU. But if they ask you to go take your snaps outside, just apologize and put your camera away.
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Don't confuse rules with Rights forfeited for the greater public good. The Constitution enumerates all Rights not just some that you agree with. A university library is a public place. Your actions can easily be observed by anyone, including the security cameras likely to be present. One could have a reasonable expectation of privacy in the restroom of the library, but not the larger portion.
 
I think the thing here is that the intended use of the library is not for photography. It is for study. That usually implies not being distracted by someone taking your photograph if you are uncomfortable about it (assuming some students were). Public or not, that would allow them to make a rule against photography. If they haven't made such a rule, the more you push, the more likely they will. I expect it would be upheld in a court since as I said, the intended use of the placce could be compromised. A court would most likely preserve the right of a college or university to protect the intended use. Like it or not.

I would suggest following the advice to see it there wasn't a way the university would allow it rather than demading a right that may not exist.
 
It's not a crime or sin to take pictures of people who are trying to study, it's just annoying. Librarians have the right to kick you out for annoying people.
 
We should have a thread of "banned places photos w/nw" just of snuck photographs from places that are hard set on no photography.

I hate being told "Sir, you cannot have a camera here," when there are people walking around with cell phones. I always want to ask "Why? Do you even know the basis of the rule your institution has set?"
 
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