The Bitterroot Public Library is always looking for ways to engage the community. In the twenty-first century, an important method of communication is through social media websites, such as Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Flickr. These sites have become increasingly important for outreach and the promotion of library activities. These sites will allow the library to reach a broader, more diverse group of people in a faster and easier way. It will allow the library to practice transparency in their operations and encourage the community to view us as a place where technology is embraced.
With this new online presence comes new responsibility. Staff and users alike must follow guidelines of behavior within these sites to ensure the success of this method of communication.
All use of social networking sites should be consistent with applicable state, federal, and local laws, regulations, and policies.
Management:
The Library Management will set up accounts and manage passwords. They will periodically view the Library’s social media sites to ensure that accurate and appropriate information is being posted. When posting to social media sites, Library Management will follow all staff guidelines.
Employee Guidelines:
• Employees must follow all library policies and procedures when using the Library’s social media.
• Employees must keep their personal and professional accounts separate. Never use your library email or password on a personal account.
• Be transparent. Be open and honest about library policy and procedures and about your connection to the library, while at the same time respecting our policy on confidentiality.
• Employees must not use social networking sites for political purposes, to conduct commercial transactions or to engage in any personal business activities.
• Please never comment on anything related to legal matters, litigation, or any parties with whom we are in litigation without the appropriate approval.
• Stick to your area of expertise while providing your own personal perspective on what’s happening at the library.
• Feel free to use natural language when speaking through social media. Let your real voice shine! Avoid library jargon or overly formal language.
• What you write is ultimately your responsibility. All staff must go through training before posting to the library’s social media sites or website.
• If you post something accidentally or mistakenly change the account, please let Management know promptly.
• Pause and think before posting something online. If you have any hesitation, get the post approved by Management. That said, do your best to reply to comments in a timely manner.
• Misuse of the Library’s social media can be grounds for disciplinary action.
Guidelines for Comments and Moderation
• Moderation of comments will be done by Library Management.
• If the content is positive or negative and in the context of the conversation, then we approve the content. But, if the content is offensive, obscene or out of context, then we will reject the content.
