This policy governs Hoyt Lakes Public Library’s participation in online venues and social media, defined here as any facility for online publication and commentary, including, but not limited to blogs, wikis, and social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, and Flickr). The library makes use of these tools to reach out and be more easily accessible to current and potential library users. Social media allows the library to meet users where they are, and give staff and public a convenient way to interact and share information, ideas, and opinions on a range of topics related to the library’s mission, collections and services.

The library’s social media sites serve as “limited public forums.” The library sets rules for use of its online venues and social media sites, just as it does for use of its other resources and communications. Comments/posts will be moderated by library staff for content and relevancy. The library reserves the right to deny or remove any comments, tags, and/or images that violate the law, the rights of any third party, or library policies.  The library is not responsible for the content on the pages of friends, fans, or followers of the library. The library does not endorse or review content of third-party sites.

Users of all ages have the responsibility to protect their privacy and should not post personally identifying information such as last name, school, age, phone number or address. The library does not act in place of, or in the absence of a parent. Users may not post comments, tage and images that impinge on another’s privacy or that may be considered objectionable or inflammatory. Violations include, but are not limited to:

·         Off-topic and/or disruptive posts

·         Commercial promotions or spam

·         Duplicated posts from the same individual

·         Threatening language and personal attacks

·         Private, personal information published without consent

·         Obscene or libelous content

·         Copyright infringement/plagiarized material

·         Political advocacy

·         Posts that violated laws or library policies

The Hoyt Lakes Public Library will periodically evaluate the role and utility of its online venues and social media, which may be terminated at any time.

Approved by Library Board

February 17, 2015