Libraries Space Usage

Digital Signage

The UT Libraries has digital signs on display in its three branches (Hodges, Pendergrass, and DeVine Libraries) to inform students of library-sponsored or co-sponsored messages/events and major updates of campus-wide importance. When there is space in the 10-slide rotation, we open it on a first come, first served basis — with priority given to our Commons partners. We then give open space to other UT departments, units, and official campus organizations, including registered student organizations promoting campus events.

Non-library slides will be set to run for no more than 1 to 2 weeks based on the quantity of slides in rotation during the requested time slot.

Policy

• Slides are accepted or rejected solely at the discretion of UT Libraries’ Marketing and Communications department. We reserve the right to reject or alter your slide for reasons of clarity and readability, violation of law or campus policy, or to conform to our physical specifications. As a general rule, we will run only one slide at a time per university unit/department.
• We do not advertise events organized by non-university entities nor non-library events taking place off campus.
• We do not accept job ads, ads for individual courses, ads for events that charge admission, or advertisements for sale of products.
• Campus registered student organization messages must also be approved by the group’s faculty advisor. If you are a student submitting a slide on behalf of a university office or on behalf of a student organization, please copy your supervisor (UT faculty or staff member) or the organization’s faculty sponsor on your email request.

Campus & System Policies:

https://studentunion.utk.edu/services/digital-display-advertising/

https://policy.tennessee.edu/procedure/op00017-k-posting-of-notices/

https://policy.tennessee.edu/procedure/op00018-k-posting-of-political-commercial-items/

Literature Distribution

Special racks and bulletin boards are provided at numerous places on the campus and may be used by members of the university community.

Policies

The University of Tennessee Libraries follows the University's policies for student assembly outlined in Hilltopics. As academic buildings, the Libraries may impose other restrictions as necessary to ensure classes and other scheduled academic activities are not disturbed. 

Libraries Procedures

• If students are violating Library or campus policy, we should ask them to comply with campus policy. That may mean:
  • Asking students to speak only in a conversational tone or to refrain from using sound amplification in certain spaces
  • Asking students to go through the appropriate channels for obtaining approval for tabling or distributing literature (through 25Live)
  • Asking them to refrain from selling items or actively soliciting participation in their program
  • Asking them to respect occupancy and egress regulations
• If they do not comply, we may ask them to leave
• If they do not comply when asked to leave, a Community Service Officer or UT Police may be called to intervene

It is always appropriate to ask for a manager or administrator to intervene.

It is always appropriate to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Freedom of Assembly and Demonstration

Policy outlining regulations for freedom of assembly in the context of an academic setting

In-House Photography and Filming Policy

University Libraries and the University of Tennessee occasionally take photographs and video in the Library’s public spaces and at programs for use in print and electronic media for promotional, educational, and archival purposes. This policy serves as public notice of the Library’s intent to do so. Those who do not want to be photographed should inform the photographer in order to be accommodated. When names are included, the photographer will request written permission of those individuals in the photograph, or of the parent in the case of children in the photograph.

General Photography and Filming Policy

University of Tennessee Students, Faculty, Staff and Visitors (Non-Professional)

Students, faculty, staff, and visitors (non-professional) may film and photograph for academic use in the libraries provided that they do not cause a disruption. Photography/filming designed to record a visit or make use of the library setting as a backdrop is also generally permitted, provided that such activity does not cause a disruption.  Such activities must also avoid capturing an identifiable likeness of an individual and any recognizable images of an individual’s computer, books, periodicals, documents, etc., without the individual’s written permission.  In such cases the photographer/videographer must always obtain written consent before taking pictures or filming individuals, while those individuals are inside library buildings.

External Media Representatives and Professional Photographers/Videographers

All Non-University producers who wish to photograph/film in any Library building must contact Library Administration and obtain permission (written or e-mail).  Each request for filming/photographing in any Library will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  Permission granted in any particular instance does not indicate that permission will be granted to the same filming individual/crew for a similar request in the future.  Permission requests should be requested at least 1 (preferably at least 3) business day in advance.

Unless specific prior written permission is made, filming/photographing is restricted to public areas within libraries and at hours when the particular area is open to the public.  All filming must be completed and equipment removed from the building at least 30 minutes prior to the posted closing time.

University Libraries and the University of Tennessee may not be held liable for crew or participant safety, or for any damage or loss of equipment, materials, supplies, etc.  You are responsible for safe handling of all equipment and property used in the shoot.  When not actually in use, all equipment should be kept out of sight and locked and/or otherwise properly secured.

Appropriate working, research, learning, and study conditions must be respectfully maintained for employees and users at all times.  Film crews must abide by all University and Library policies and regulations at all times and must leave Library premises exactly as found.

Please refrain from filming people without their awareness or permission.  Such filming/photographing should avoid capturing an identifiable likeness of an individual and any recognizable images of an individual’s computer, books, periodicals, documents, etc., without the individual’s written permission.  In such cases the photographer/videographer must always obtain written consent before taking pictures or filming an individual, while those individuals are inside library buildings.  You must also comply with any University photo release requirements.

Everyone, Please Be Courteous and Considerate!

• Minimize Disruption – Photographers/Videographers should make every effort to minimize disruption.  Be aware that lights, noise and equipment can negatively impact the dynamics of an environment, especially in an area designated for quiet study.
• Be Aware of Traffic Flow – Photographers/Videographers should not block stairwells, exits, service desks, or otherwise impede traffic.
• Cables, Wiring, and Equipment – Care should be taken when laying cable (power or otherwise) and with the handling and placement of equipment.  Please ensure that there is no danger of tripping or other injury for people who may be in the area or pass by.
• Facilities and Furnishings – Please do not make changes to the library facilities or furnishings (for example, changes to lighting, location of furniture, moving of books or shelving, etc.) without permission.