Social Media Policy

 

Purpose

The Messenger Public Library (MPL) is committed to using current forms of Social Media. The Library believes that by participating in Social Media we are more accessible to you, our library users, can better promote library services and resources, and more easily meet you, the user, where you are. 

Social Media is defined as any web application, web site, or web account created and/or maintained by the MPL which facilitates an environment for library staff and library users to share opinions and information about library-related subjects, events or issues. MPL recognizes and respects differences in opinion. This policy governs public use of these tools for any purpose.

Scope

This policy applies to all patrons, whether registered with Messenger Public Library or not.

Policy

Messenger Public Library regards online Social Media in the same way as its other information resources and communications. This policy is not intended to replace other Library policies but, rather, to supplement those policies. As with more traditional resources, the Library does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent. The Library is not responsible for enforcing restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of this resource.

Appropriate content

·         Notices of upcoming Library meetings or events

·         Content of all press releases

·         Library policies and procedures

·         Information about library services, trends or technologies

·         Communication between library staff and the library community regarding MPL work and/or projects

·         Training and continuing education opportunities

·         Promotion of MPL or the library systems, associations or other professional bodies related to MPL’s activities

·         A place for the public to discuss their opinion as it relates to the Library

·         Discuss books or virtually host a book club

 

Inappropriate content

·         Obscene or racist content

·         Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language

·         Potentially libelous statements

·         Copyrighted or plagiarized material

·         Private, personal information published without consent

·         Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum

·         Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion or Library

·         Commercial promotions or spam

Rights of the Library

MPL, the library board and the director reserve the right to monitor content before it is posted on all of its Social Media web applications, web sites and web accounts, and to modify or remove any messages, tags or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property right of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate for the service.

 

Attribution

 

In accordance to various international, federal, state and local laws, the public will make every attempt to protect copyrighted or other intellectual property rights.

 

·         When quoting another blog or publication, be sure to link to the original (if possible) and use quotation marks or blockquotes

·         When using images or other media found elsewhere on the web, attribute credit to the author or creator via hyperlink. 

 

Disclaimer

 

All Social Media sites used by the Library contain the following disclaimer:

 

“This site is for discussion purposes only and does not represent the official views of the Messenger Public Library. Any views expressed on this website are those of the individual post author only. The Messenger Public Library accepts no liability for the content of this site.”


Approved Messenger Public Library Board of Trustees 4/8/2010
Adapted from Ottawa Public Library Social Media Policy, Montana State Library Commission Draft Social Media Staff Policy, Powerhouse Museum Communication Using Public Facing Museum Blogs Policy.



Online Resources

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