Yes, let patrons take all the photos they want of anything the want. While they are at it, lead loud conversations, play relaxing music with all those neat BT speakers that connect to cellphones/tablets/etc., practice River Dance numbers in the aisle for the amusement of others, etc.

While the reasons given may be faulted, perhaps one of the last things we should encourage is for library patrons to do their “thing” without consideration of others.

This type of thing is ubiquitous in the U.S. Just search “permission to publish/use” + public domain + library”

The only library that makes any sense is the Library of Congress, and even then, they have strict rules regarding physical items and physical presence.

Information for Researchers Using the Library of Congress
Photographs

Cameras may be carried on the grounds and within the buildings of the Library, but, generally, no pictures may be taken in the reading rooms. With the permission of the head of a reading room, hand-held cameras may be used for copying Library material when regular light sources are sufficient. Photographs for news, advertising, or commercial purposes may be taken only with the permission of the Library’s Public Affairs Officer, who must also approve the use of tripod or flash in the exhibition areas.

Library of Congress Researchers, Manuscript Reading Room:
Rules and Regulations:

2. PERSONAL PROPERTY. No personal belongings, including briefcases, notebooks, books, folders, envelopes, purses, or hats are allowed in the reading room. The use of electronic communications devices, such as wireless phones and pagers, is prohibited, and such devices must be silenced. Laptop computers are allowed, but the use of any other electronic devices is subject to staff approval. Digital cameras and tripods are allowed for making research copies, but scanners are prohibited. Outer garments, including vests, sweaters with pockets, coats, suit coats, and sports jackets, are subject to search. Free lockers are provided to secure personal property. Exceptions may be requested for notes or other material essential to research. These items must be approved and stamped by reference staff before being brought into the reading room. Notes may be taken only on the paper or note cards provided in the reading room. Pens may not be used, and pencils are provided. Locker keys must be returned at the end of the day.

——-

The major law libraries have sensible copying rules, except possibly Yale.

?If Yale owns the copy, but the copyright has passed into public domain:

If the copyright has passed into the public domain, Yale may charge for access to its copy, but it cannot request that the researcher apply for permission to publish it. Although not tested in court, Yale may be able to permit access to a copy in the public domain but deny permission to publish it, if Yale itself is going to publish the “copy” in the foreseeable future.”

Literally hundreds of U.S. libraries, including state libraries, illegally assume the right to grant permissions, censor, collect fees, control use, collect personal information and demand indemnification agreements, regardless of who owns the copyright, and even regardless of whether the work has been published. Louisiana State University gives us this latest twist in demanding that users seek permission to publish something from a “published” work. This is no different from a bookstore seeking royalties for quoting from a book they sell.

And this from a discussion board – straight dope – about the New York Public Library image collection:

Quote:
As the physical rights holder, the Library charges a usage fee to use any images from its collections for any type of publication, broadcast, exhibition, web site, etc. The library does not claim copyright on these images.
Please remember as it is stated on the Library’s web site it is strictly prohibited to download images for any use other than personal or research purposes without obtaining written permission from the Library and payment of use fees.