Page contents > Guidance on Self-Service Photography
Users in the reading room may take their own digital photographs of books and documents at no cost, but are asked to note the following guidance on copyright, and ensure their copying is legal.
Guidance on Self-Service Photography
Visitors to the reading room may use digital cameras to take photographs of books and documents at no cost. Cameras must be in silent mode, as shutter sounds can disturb other users. Flash photography, tripods and camera stands are not permitted. Users should also note the following guidance on copyright, and ensure their copying is legal.
Either:
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the copies are an insubstantial part of the work. The agreed safe limits for published works are as follows; there is no guidance available for unpublished works.
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journal or periodical: one article from any one issue
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published work: one chapter or 5% extracts
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the purpose of the copying qualifies as 'fair dealing'. For more detailed information on fair dealing, and the factors you need to consider when assessing whether your use is permitted or not, see the Intellectual Property Office's website or Tim Padfield's Copyright for Archivists and Users of Archives (copy available from Archives staff, see in particular section 5.2). Note that 'fair dealing' provides an exception for private study and non-commercial research, but as well as considering the reason for copying, you should also consider the amount to be copied, and whether there is likely to be any financial impact on the copyright owner because of your use.
The Library gives no authority for the making of any copies of copyright works; any advice given in the rules and on notices about what copying is allowed is in general terms and should not be taken to be legal advice. All responsibility for any infringement of copyright is borne by the person making the copy and the person (if different) for whom the copy is being made.