Those wishing to use cameras and/or recording equipment within the Smathers Libraries must have their request approved by the Senior Associate Dean, Director of Communications or supervisor on duty and verbal permission from the subject. Those not following this policy may be asked to put away their equipment or leave the Libraries.
Library employees, including student assistants, do not need to fill out a release form if in a photograph or video.
When an individual or small group of individuals is the focus of photography or video, please ask each person to fill out a written release and maintain a record of the forms. Keep a digital copy of the release form with the image or video files with which they are associated. Releases can be downloaded here: https://communications.uflib.ufl.edu/wordpress/files/2021/05/Smathers-photo-video-release.pdf
The more information you can provide your subject, the more comfortable they will likely be with the photo or video shoot.
Children under the age of 18 must have a written release form obtained from their parent or guardian and you are strongly discouraged from using minors in photographs or video.
Confidentiality
The use of photo captions or metadata that identifies the student, faculty or staff names, except for news or published stories, is strongly discouraged, and must be provided by the person. Additionally, do not include information from protected areas such as age, race, sex, national origin, religion, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, marital status, or sexual orientation.
Smathers Libraries’ Videos and Photos in Public Spaces Acknowledgment
By entering a Smathers Library branch, visitors acknowledge that their general likeness may be captured in photographs or videos used for the library’s marketing materials. These materials may include, but are not limited to, brochures, social media posts, and promotional videos.
For marketing projects where individuals are easily identifiable, the library will seek direct permission from the subjects involved before using their likeness.
Events
Photos will be taken at library events. You may see a sign like the one below letting attendees know their photo may be taken.
