The University of Rhode Island’s Robert L. Carothers Library is in the process of updating its policies around filming video in the space, according to Peter Larsen, the interim dean of the university libraries.
Students planning to use the library as a filming space may be handed “filming request forums,” requiring them to detail information about the project they are filming as well as guidelines they must follow during shooting.
“It’s very important that students contact us in advance if they want to use the space for filming,” Larsen said.
These regulations will make sure students are following the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law which protects student privacy at public educational institutions. Filming students and employees without explicit permission could violate FERPA, according to Larsen.
Students will also have to be mindful of disrupting academic activities and making sure they are not blocking stairwells and fire exits during shooting.
“The library is not a public space,” Larsen said. “It’s an academic building. We want the library to be used, but the space already has a use and those primary uses need to be covered before other kinds of use.”
The library did not have these regulations written down, as filming in the library was handled on a case by case basis, according to Larsen. However, with an increase in requests, the library administration has decided to create specific guidelines for students to follow.
The official policy document has not been finished and the library administration is still in the process of solidifying rules and getting approval from the URI communications office, Larsen said.
These regulations are mostly intended for students who plan to use the space for projects that could cause disruption to students and staff, according to Larsen.
“For example, say someone wanted to film a chase scene through the library that is probably not going to work,” Larsen said. “We did have one group last year who wanted to film in the main atrium and we had to say you can’t do that, [you’re blocking] a fire exit.”
Despite these regulations not being fully implemented, students intending to use the space for filming have received filming request forums and a list of guidelines to follow.
According to this form, approval for filming must be requested five days in advance and must take place during regular library hours.
The filming request form can be found on the URI Risk Control and Insurance page.
