Digital photography in the Bodleian Japanese Library:policy statement
The Bodleian Libraries allow readers to take still photographs of Special
Collections material for purposes of personal research, subject to certain
conditions. Readers may use their own cameras.
Please enquire about reader photography at the enquiry desk where you may be
asked to complete the Application to take photographs form.
There is no charge for this service.

Reader Photography Rules
You may use a camera to capture still images of the following Special Collections material inthe reading rooms of the Bodleian Japanese Library:•••

Japanese manuscripts (MS. Jap.)
Japanese early printed books (Nipponica)
Western books kept in the Rare Book room (RM)

The condition and suitability of Library material for photography must be assessed by theBodleian Japanese Librarian before it is photographed. Readers must verbally notify theLibrarian each time they plan to use their camera, and show her the items being photographed.
The responsibility for the care of the Bodleian collections is shared between the Library andits readers. Please ensure that your activities safeguard their future. Please ask the BodleianJapanese Librarian for assistance if required and follow any instructions from her to ensure
the physical safety of collections material.
•When photographing a bound manuscript or printed book always use foam booksupports. A selection of book supports and weights is available for your use.

•Do not lean on or hold down open books as this may damage the binding structure.
Weights are available to hold pages open.

•Single-sheet material and unbound manuscripts must be photographed flat on thereading room desk and not held up in the air. Loose materials for photography should
be taken from folders one at a time.

•Please do not force books to open, fold pages or remove fasteners or otherwise
manipulate the material to achieve a better image.

•Collection material can only be photographed on reading room desks. Please refrainfrom rearranging the furniture or standing on tables and chairs.

Reader photography is subject to the following conditions:
Equipment
We do not allow tripods in the reading rooms and flash photography is not permitted under
any circumstances.
For conservation reasons we do not allow any type of scanners.
Any personal devices (for example, laptop or palm computers, cameras, mobile phones andmp3 players) may be taken into and used in the reading rooms as long as the following
conditions are met:
Use of the device does not disturb other users, or the general quiet nature of thereading rooms (devices must operate in ‘silent’ mode);
Use of the device does not pose a threat to the safety of the Library’s collections, orother people;
Cameras, camcorders and digi cams must be in still photography mode.
Bodleian Libraries’ staff will not be expected to show readers how to operate theirphotographic equipment.

Copyright
Please note that the standard regulations regarding copyright apply.
On applying for a Reader’s Ticket and signing the Reader’s Declaration form, or using acamera in the reading rooms, readers undertake to observe conditions of copyright, on which
Library staff can advise.
Readers will not copy their images to any third party, nor publish them in any medium(hardcopy, internet site, video, etc.), without new permission from the Bodleian Libraries.
The Libraries reserve the right to charge a licensing fee for any commercial use of theseimages.

The Bodleian Libraries reserve the right to deny permission to take photographs of any
collection materials at its discretion.
The Bodleian Libraries accept no responsibility for the quality of images taken by readers
using this service.
Photography is subject to all regulations of The Bodleian Libraries.
The service is available during normal reading room hours. Please note that the full rangeof reader services is provided from 09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday, and that after 17.00
on weekdays and on Saturdays, staff may have to refer particular enquiries to the BodleianJapanese Librarian.

Bodleian Japanese Library: June 2010