Self-service photography allows you to create working copies for private study or research, using your own phone or basic compact camera.
What you can photograph
You can capture working copy sections of texts, rather than facsimile reproductions of materials. For high quality reproductions, see professional imaging services.
What you cannot photograph
In the General Reading Room, you cannot photograph:
- The latest 10 years of Electoral Registers
- Photocopies
- Original photographs
- Mintel reports
- Computer and microform screens.
Items that cannot be copied will be clearly marked with chequered flags.
In the Special Collections Reading Room, you cannot photograph:
- Computer and microform screens
- Photocopies
- Mintel reports
- Electoral Registers
- Certain shelf marks which are listed under the self-service photography terms guidance.
Taking photos of other readers or Library staff or of the room in general is not permitted.
More detailed information on what can and cannot be photographed is available in the self-service photography terms guidance 2024 (Word document) (261 KB; 21 pages).
How you can photograph
- You can use your phone, tablet, or basic compact camera to take still images.
- You must switch any sounds off on your camera or device, and you must not use the flash.
We do not allow the use of:
- Handheld scanners
- Bridge or superzoom compact cameras
- Professional photography equipment e.g. digital SLR cameras, removable lenses, tripods, etc.
How to get permission
- Speak to staff at either the Enquiry desk or Collection and Return desk
- Read the self-service photography terms guidance 2024 (Word document) (261 KB; 21 pages) before taking any photographs
- You will need to consult staff about which works you may photograph and collect a permission card each time you visit.
Copyright and licensing restrictions
The service is limited to certain areas of the collections. This is due to:
- Copyright and licensing conditions
- Terms of ownership or deposit
- Privacy restrictions
- Conservation issues and related restrictions.
Many items in the General Reading Room are in copyright, even if they are very old.
In November 2015, the UK Intellectual Property Office published a short guidance note on the use of photographs. The guidance explains certain aspects of copyright in more detail.
Copyright exceptions
Exceptions to copyright allow you to make limited copies from works that are protected by copyright. If you are unsure about the copyright status of an item you should treat it as if it is in copyright.
You can find more information in the Library's 'Exceptions to copyright' guide (PDF) (59 KB; 4 pages) or by visiting the Government's 'Exceptions to copyright' information.
Professional imaging services
The Library's professional imaging service is the best way to obtain high-quality copies of materials, including:
- Digital images
- Scanned or paper copies
- Photographic prints.
Please ask reading room staff about these services or see the 'Copying services' section for more information about general and special collections. See the maps copying services section for more information about ordering copies of maps.
Contact us
If you have questions about the service, please ask a question online.