Patrons and visitors may take a few pictures of the interior of the room as long as they:

• Do not disturb or photograph other patrons or staff
• Use a hand-held camera
• Use only available light, no flash

Reading Room

In order to prevent damage to collection materials, patrons may use personal digital photographic equipment to photograph collection materials in the Reading Room only under the following conditions:

• Patrons must request permission and show any photographic equipment that is not a cell phone to desk staff before taking any photos.
• Patrons can only take pictures using available light; flash equipment or portable lighting is not permitted.
• Patrons may use tripods and other camera support devices as long as they do not inconvenience other patrons and staff.
• Photographic equipment cannot come into direct contact with library materials.
• Patrons cannot use personal hand-held or flatbed scanners.
• If NLM staff determines that photography is disruptive or harmful to the collection materials, we will ask you to stop.
• Rare, damaged, or fragile items must be reviewed by the staff person on duty before they are scanned or photographed.
• Permission to digitally photograph library materials does not imply permission from the National Library of Medicine to publish or further reproduce the images; responsibility for determination of copyright on a case-by-case basis lies with the patron.

Last Reviewed: July 22, 2026