Social Media Policy

Purpose

In support of the Oswego Public Library District’s mission to provide quality library service which will effectively meet the informational, educational, and recreational needs of district residents of all ages, the library district utilizes various social media services as means of communication among library staff, patrons, and other community members for sharing information about the Oswego Public Library District (OPLD), its services, and other library-related issues.

Definition

For the purposes of this policy, the term “social media” is defined as any Internet-based communication tool that allows interaction and sharing of information among users. The policy applies to any social media resource or online account created or maintained by OPLD including.

Provisions

  1. OPLD social media services and accounts are maintained by OPLD staff. The same high standards of timeliness, accuracy, and courtesy in providing services through social media will be maintained as are required of staff in providing information through any other means of communication.
  2. Comments and opinions from the public relevant to library services and issues are welcome. OPLD encourages courtesy and respect in all communications and requests that these standards be maintained by those posting to social media.
  3. OPLD is committed to the privacy of patrons and staff members and will not post patron or staff information without consent.
  4. Content deemed appropriate includes that which:
    1. Furthers the library’s mission
    2. Promotes or delivers library services
    3. Facilitates access to information
    4. Is relevant to the Oswego Public Library District, library services or library- related issues
  5. The Oswego Public Library District is committed to cultivating a safe online space. We reserve the right to remove any posts or deny access to Library social media accounts for any members of the public who post inappropriate content. Content deemed inappropriate includes, but is not limited to:
    1. Commercial advertisements or spam
    2. Organized political activity
    3. Fundraising solicitations
    4. Plagiarized material or material that violates copyrights, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights
    5. Threats to safety
    6. Potentially libelous statements
    7. Violations of local, state, or federal laws or promotion of illegal activity
    8. Private or personal information, including name, phone number, address, etc.
    9. Contributions not directly responsive to the current topic or relevant to library services or issues
    10. Discriminatory, defaming, harassing content
    11. Racial, ethnic, religious, gender slurs, jokes, and hate speech
    12. Objectionable and inflammatory content that uses profanity, obscene, threating, and indecent language or images.

Disclaimer

By posting content, the user agrees to abide by the Social Media Policy and all other Oswego Public Library District policies. OPLD is not responsible or liable for postings by third parties on library-sponsored social media sites. These postings do not reflect the opinions of the Oswego Public Library District, its employees, or its Board of Trustees.

Contact Information

For more information about the Oswego Public Library District’s use of social media or its Social Media Policy, please contact the Library Director at (630) 978-1506.

Policy Type