Reading Time: 2 minutesCopyright law protects creative expression as soon as it is saved or fixed, but this protection can be transferred and modified by contract law. Contracts can also provide guidance or put restrictions on how copyright protected material can be used. Library database and vendor contracts or license agreements establish rules for how the Libraries and its users may access content held by the vendor in exchange for a subscription fee to that content.
Digital Dialogs
Latest Posts
LINK: Your 24/7 AI Chatbot Ally at USF Libraries
Reading Time: 4 minutesSay hello to LINK (Library Information and Knowledge), USF Libraries’ new AI-powered reference chatbot designed to assist students, faculty, and staff with library-related questions around the clock. LINK serves as a friendly, reliable entry point to help users navigate collections, databases, services, and spaces, freeing them from routine inquiries and empowering library professionals to focus on more complex, personalized support.
Navigating the World with Mercator Projection – Past and Present
Reading Time: 2 minutesIn a world of satellite imagery and interactive maps, it’s easy to forget that some of our most important mapping tools have deep historic roots.
Baking the Archives: Strawberry Shortcake, or The 1892 Biscuit Disaster
Reading Time: 4 minutesRebekah Nault bakes a recipe for strawberry shortcake from Mrs. Lincoln’s Boston Cook Book – What To Do and What Not To Do in Cooking.
Primo Research Assistant
Reading Time: 2 minutesEarlier this semester the USF Libraries catalog, powered by Primo and hosted by the Florida Virtual Campus Library Services, was upgraded with an AI research assistant. When searching with the Primo Research Assistant, your keywords or question will now be turned into …Continue Reading
Remembering Roberts City Through the Stories of Its Community
Reading Time: 4 minutesOnce a vibrant community in West Tampa, Roberts City was notable for its residents, bustling businesses, and nationally recognized athletes. Today, it is remembered only through historical markers, cherished memories of former residents, and the archives they preserved.
Annual Vote for the Public Domain
Reading Time: < 1 minuteEach year, more material reaches the end of its copyright protection and falls into the public domain. And each year, the USF Libraries invite our community to participate in selecting which public domain works from the Libraries’ collections will be digitized and made freely available online.
Preservation Spotlight: Turning Negatives into a Positive with the Skip Gandy Collection
Reading Time: 3 minutesFor Preservation Week 2025, we are excited to provide an update on the digitization of the Gandy Collection of Commercial and Aerial Photography. With more than 125,000 photographs, the collection showcases more than 50 years of Tampa history from behind the lens of Skip and Sandy Gandy.
Tampa Library Building turns 50
Reading Time: < 1 minuteThe USF Tampa library building has sheltered students, history, innovation, and distinctive collections for 50 years in 2025. To commemorate this 50-year anniversary, the USF Tampa Libraries have curated a special digital exhibit.
Mapping Minds, Shaping the World: Recap of ESRI GIS Day 2024 at USF Libraries
Reading Time: 2 minutesFollowing USF Libraries’ incredible GIS Day 2024 event in November, we are thrilled to announce that the presentation recordings are available for viewing in Digital Commons. This annual event brought together students, faculty, and GIS enthusiasts to explore the latest advancements in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and their applications across various fields.