For personal research
Researchers may bring a hand-held camera to take images in the reading room. Flash, tripods and scanners are not permitted. Some items may not be suitable for copying due to conservation restrictions and copyright legislation. Please check with the member of staff on duty. There is no charge for taking images with your own camera. If images are for anything other than private study, discuss your intended use with a member of staff.
See Copyright for information on what you are permitted to copy.
For film and photography projects
The Barber Fine Art Library is a unique and popular setting for filming and photography. Please make a request for permission to film or take photographs before visiting the Library for this purpose. We aim to support most requests, particularly projects that promote our collections and peaceful atmosphere.
The Library is a working academic library and an as a result we reserve the right to decline requests that might risk disturbing users of the library and other parts of the Barber Institute, or that we consider inconsistent with the aims and character of the Library.
We can usually only provide access during the following hours subject to staff availability when the reading rooms are closed:
- Monday - Friday 08:30-09:45
- Friday 12:45 - 14:00
If you wish to enquire about filming or photography in the Barber Fine Art Library, please contact Susan Worrall, Head of Special Collections s.j.worrall@bham.ac.uk with the following information preferably 10 days in advance:
- A brief outline of the proposed filming or photography, e.g. student project work, University publicity, etc.
- Date and time of proposed filming
- Number of cast/crew
- Potential risks involved and the steps you will take to mitigate these risks
- How much bulky equipment will you bring into the library
Requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Longer projects that might require repeated access to the library or access to the Barber Institute building outside its opening normal hours will take longer to consider, so please give as much notice as you can.
Please note: Permission to film or take photographs in the Barber Fine Art Library does not constitute permission to film in any other part of the Barber Institute Building, separate permission must be sought from the Barber Institute’s Communications and Marketing Manager - contact press@barber.org.uk
Similarly, permission to film elsewhere in the building does not constitute permission to film or take photographs in the library unless this has already been agreed and confirmed as part of your initial application.
Regulations for filming and photography
- Food and drink are not permitted in the library even for use as props (except bottled water.)
- Smoke and atmosphere haze aerosols must not be used in any of the rooms
- Bring minimal kit on site.
- Be mindful of health and safety
- Do not block access to rooms routes or prevent library staff from moving around the building
- Do not move books, items of furniture (including ladders) or other equipment and materials without the permission of the Barber Fine Art Librarian or senior member of staff on duty.
- Be considerate of people using other parts of the Barber Institute building e.g. avoid making noise on the entrance staircase, in the foyer and corridors.
- Do not film or take photos of library staff without permission - please use the University of Birmingham Media Consent Form
- Credit the Barber Fine Art Library, Special Collections, University of Birmingham.