Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is a public space, open to the public or a segment of the public where the person knows they are not alone. All photography, video recording, audio recording, and/or live streaming must comply with the Criminal Code, the Copyright Act, and all other applicable legislation, including applicable OPL policies and procedures.  

OPL prohibits all taking of photos, videos, and audio recordings in washrooms and washroom areas (including but not restricted to stalls, sinks, and mirrors), as well as the use of any broadcasting equipment or technology that permits the sharing of live events (livestreaming) in these spaces. 

OPL further prohibits all taking of photos, videos, and audio recordings in which children’s faces are visible or they are otherwise personally identifiable, as well as the use of any broadcasting equipment or technology that permits the sharing of live events (livestreaming) to film children’s faces by members of the public, unless permission has been given by the parents/guardians of children involved. Parents or guardians may take photos, videos, audio recordings or livestreams of children for whom they are responsible but must ensure that no other children are personally identifiable in these cases, unless permission has been given by the parents/guardians of children involved. For employee responsibilities regarding taking photos, videos, and audio recordings, or livestreaming, see the “Employees” section below.  

This policy does not apply to: 

• The use of drones, which is not permitted without appropriate authorization from Transport Canada and OPL; and, 

• The use of closed-circuit television surveillance by OPL or the City of Ottawa. 

Clients: personal use 
 
As OPL facilities are a public space, clients are not broadly prohibited from taking photos, videos, and/or audio recordings, and/or using broadcasting equipment or technology that permits the sharing of live events (livestream) on OPL premises, and at OPL events/programs, for personal use, notwithstanding the above statements regarding washrooms and children, and if OPL client and employee activities are not disrupted. In addition, the taking of photos, videos, audio recordings, and/or sharing of livestreams during some events or programs may be restricted or prohibited, for example at the request of a performer or partner. 

Clients taking photos, videos, and/or audio recordings, and/or livestreaming are responsible for complying with applicable law including obtaining the consent of all individuals who may be captured in the content before doing so and advising individuals of the proposed use of the content. OPL may ask to verify that clients are complying with this policy including that clients have obtained the consent of individuals to be captured in the content. OPL is not responsible for recordings or livestreams made by clients within OPL facilities, programs, or events including any use of the client recordings or livestreams. 

Third parties: Media and commercial use 

Third parties such as local companies, organizations, or groups must coordinate with the OPL Communications department via Communications@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca prior to taking photos, videos, and/or audio recordings, and/or livestreaming in the Library. Student projects are similarly administered as third-party use. 

As with client use, third parties may take photos, videos, and/or audio recordings, and/or livestreaming if OPL client and employee activities are not disrupted, notwithstanding the above statements regarding washrooms and children.  

Third parties taking photos, videos, and/or audio recordings, and/or livestreaming should obtain the consent of all individuals who may be captured in the content before doing so and advise the individuals of the proposed use of the content. OPL is not responsible for recordings or livestreams made by clients within OPL facilities, programs, or events including any use of the client recordings or livestreams. 

Fees may apply if OPL spaces are used for commercial photography, video or film production, special events, or where exclusive or after-hours access to OPL spaces is sought; parties should consult the City of Ottawa Film By-law for more information about this process.  

Employees

On occasion, OPL or its agents will take Library-related photos, videos, or audio recordings, or livestream, within its facilities, at programs, or at events.  

When this occurs, signage will be posted letting clients know that this is occurring, and OPL shall meet all applicable collection, use, disclosure, and retain of personal information provisions under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).  

Signage will also include information about the opt-out process for appearing in the content produced. Wherever possible, signage will also include the intended use(s) of the content. 

Recordings will be retained by OPL and may be used for promotional content in print or online.