Social Software Policy

The St. Martin Parish Library (SMPL) uses social software in many forms. The library puts forth this policy to govern the online behavior of staff and customers when using such technology.

Definition

Social software is defined as any web-based application or tool that allows users to interact and share data. This includes any source for online publication and commentary, such as blogs, Facebook accounts, etc.

Purpose

Social software presences maintained by St. Martin Parish Library exist to:

• promote library materials, programs and services to our community

• facilitate the sharing of ideas and information about library-related subjects and issues

SMPL social software is intended to create a welcoming online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and can interact with staff and other users. 

Policy  

SMPL recognizes and respects differences in opinion. Comments, posts, and messages are welcome and will be reviewed for appropriateness. SMPL reserves the right to modify or remove any messages or postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be inappropriate for the service.

Although we periodically monitor and maintain our web pages and social sites, SMPL is not responsible for individual comments posted.  Posted comments do not necessarily reflect the views of the library. Nor does the library necessarily support the opinion of the poster.

By posting content, the user agrees to indemnify SMPL and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages, and costs (including attorney's fees) which arise out of or are related to the posted content.

Posts containing the following will be deleted before posting or removed by library staff:

• Copyright violations

• Commercial material/spam

• Profane, obscene, threatening, abusive, libelous, or otherwise offensive language

• Off topic comments

• Organized political activity

Guidelines for patrons

In order to protect privacy and safety, refrain from including personally identifiable information in comments. When posting comments, please be respectful of other contributors. SMPL strongly encourages parents/legal guardians to discuss Internet safety with their children and to monitor and supervise online activity. Users are encouraged to report abuse or inappropriate solicitations to the website's administration and/or local law enforcement as appropriate.

By choosing to submit a comment, the user agrees to the policy as outlined above.

Adopted by the Library Board, February 2016/Effective 3 February 2016