Purpose
These guidelines establish expectations for commercial, external, and organized filming and photography in University of Virginia Library facilities. The Library’s primary mission is to support the study, research, and learning needs of the University community. All filming and photography activity is secondary to that mission and is permitted only to the extent that it does not disrupt Library operations or the experience of Library users.
These guidelines do not apply to personal or casual photography and video recording by students and members of the University community.
The Library reserves the right to deny, limit, or revoke permission for any filming or photography activity at its discretion.
Scope
These guidelines apply to individuals and organizations conducting commercial, external, or organized filming and photography in Library-managed spaces. This includes external production companies, media organizations, and University-affiliated groups undertaking planned or resourced productions that go beyond personal or casual use.
Priority of Use
Library spaces exist to serve the study, research, teaching, and operational needs of the University community. When filming or photography activity conflicts with these purposes, Library needs take priority. Staff may ask individuals or groups to stop filming, relocate, or leave at any time if activity is disruptive or interferes with Library operations.
Categories of Filming and Photography
Commercial, external, and organized filming and photography in Library spaces requires prior approval. Requests must be submitted through the University filming request form in accordance with the University Filming Policy (PRM-021). The Library will separately review all requests involving Library spaces and may approve, deny, or condition approval at its discretion.
Personal and casual use. Brief, informal photography or video recording by individuals using a handheld device is not subject to these guidelines. General conditions regarding noise, disruption, and compliance with staff direction still apply.
UVA-affiliated filming. Filming by University offices, departments, or units for promotional, marketing, recruitment, communications, or event documentation purposes requires approval when it involves dedicated production equipment, crew, staged direction of participants, or sustained occupation of Library space. Academic filming by faculty or students for coursework or research does not require approval under these guidelines but is subject to general conditions below.
Commercial and external filming. Filming by any individual or organization not affiliated with UVA, or by any party producing work intended for commercial distribution or commercial purpose, requires approval. This includes motion pictures, documentaries, commercial video productions, television content, and news features or profiles. University approval does not constitute Library approval.
Restricted Spaces
McGregor Room
No filming or photography is permitted in the McGregor Room under any circumstances. The McGregor Room is one of the Library’s primary quiet study environments and is consistently in high demand. Protecting this space for uninterrupted student use is a non-negotiable priority. No exceptions will be granted.
Special Collections
Filming and photography in Special Collections spaces are governed by Special Collections reproduction and digital camera policies (library.virginia.edu/special-collections/services/reproduction/digital-camera-policy). Contact Special Collections directly for guidance before your visit.
Additional Restricted Areas
The Library may designate additional spaces as restricted for filming at any time based on operational needs, events, or seasonal demand. Staff will communicate any temporary restrictions as applicable.
General Conditions
All filming and photography in Library spaces, regardless of category, is subject to the following conditions:
No disruption to Library users. Filming must not create noise, obstruction, or distraction that interferes with the study, research, or work of Library users. This includes loud conversation, music or audio playback, repeated takes or staging in high-traffic areas, and use of flash photography.
No alteration of Library spaces. Furniture, equipment, signage, and materials may not be moved, removed, or rearranged without prior written approval from the Library.
Compliance with staff direction. All individuals engaged in filming must comply promptly with any request from Library staff to stop, relocate, or modify their activity.
Responsibility for damage. Individuals and organizations are responsible for any damage to Library property, furnishings, or collections resulting from filming activity.
Revocation
The Library may revoke filming permission at any time if conditions change, if activity is more disruptive than anticipated, or if the terms of approval are not followed. Individuals must comply immediately with any revocation.