Library collection photography policy
Self-Service Photography Policy (2026)
FAO employees and external researchers are permitted to photograph materials from the David Lubin Memorial Library collections free of charge.
This policy supports access to information while ensuring the preservation of materials and compliance with copyright requirements.
Please Note: Library staff reserve the right to restrict or prohibit photography where necessary to protect fragile materials or comply with specific donor agreements.
Eligible collections and reproduction limits
| Collection | Limit |
| Core collection > 2000 | Up to 10% per article/chapter |
| FAO Institutional Memory collection > 2000 | Available through FAO Knowledge Repository |
| Centre International de Sylviculture Core collection < 2000 Donations collection International Institute of Agriculture collection Lord John Boyd Orr collection | Up to 30% per volume |
FAO Institutional Memory collection < 2000 | Contact [email protected] Please see the Services page. |
Systematic copying and full reproduction are strictly prohibited across all collections.
Equipment and technical requirements
| Permitted equipment | Handheld cameras, mobile devices, tablets, and personal overhead scanners. |
| Prohibited equipment | Flash photograpy, external lighting, and tripods. |
| Material Support | Book cradles must be used for all bound materials. |
| Environment | All devices must be set to silent or muted mode. |
Photographic procedures and handling
| Capture method | Overhead capture only; devices must be held securely. |
| Material handling | Handle all materials with care. Do not force bindings open or remove fasteners (clips, staples, ties) |
| Staff guidance | Library staff are available for assistance. Staff retain ultimate authority and may restrict photography if materials are at risk of damage. |
Copyright and attribution for FAO Publications
| Licence | Materials are made available under a CC BY 4.0 license |
| Use conditions | Open use is allowed, provided proper attribution is given following the Policy on open access for FAO publications. |
| Attribution | Users must provide a proper citation. |
| Restrictions | Additional restrictions may apply depending on specific third-party or donor agreements. |
Copyright and attribution for the historic (non-FAO) collections
| License | No/Public domain |
| Use conditions | Use allowed with proper attribution |
| Attribution | Proper citation required mentioning FAO Library as the source. |
