top of page

Purpose

Madison Public Library (MPL) uses social media in many forms. MPL staff maintains and edits the content of MPL social media sites to comply with library policies. Library social media is intended to create a welcoming online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and opportunities to interact with staff and other users.

​

Definitions

Social media is defined as any web application, site, or account used by the library to facilitate the sharing of opinions and information about library-related subjects and issues. It includes any facility for online publication and commentary, such as blogs, wikis, and social networking sites.

​

Policy

MPL will utilize social media tools to encourage community involvement and to create a dialog between the library and its patrons regarding library services, resources, events and programs, and community information.

​

MPL does not endorse advertisements promoted on any social media site. These advertisements are displayed by vendors and do not express MPL’s views or positions.

​

Public Comments and Posts

Social media is not a public forum and is monitored and managed by MPL staff. Comments, posts, and messages are allowed on the library's social networking sites if they conform to the library's social media policy. All interactions will be regularly monitored and reviewed for content and relevance. The library reserves the right to refrain from posting user submissions or comments or to remove or edit them at any time.

By commenting and posting on MPL-hosted social media sites, users agree to MPL’s social media policy. All content posted to sites maintained by the library is subject to MPL’s Rules of Conduct. Individuals who violate the library’s social media policy may be banned from MPL’s social media sites and/or facilities and authorities may be contacted.

​

  • Stay on topic. Comments and posts should be library related.

  • Duplicate posts from the same individual will be deleted.

  • Don’t include personal information about yourself or others.

  • The library is not responsible for user-generated content. A posted comment is the opinion of the user only. Publication of a comment does not imply endorsement or agreement by MPL.

  • Spam and commercial content will be removed. The library will remove posts or comments used for campaigns, political, religious or commercial purposes or for soliciting funds. Gratuitous links to sites are viewed as spam and will result in removal of the comment.

  • Individuals should not post anything that they do not have the right to post. The library follows a notice-and-takedown procedure for complaints of copyright violation under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

  • Posts containing offensive, obscene, threatening, or abusive language or hate speech are strictly prohibited and will be deleted. Individuals are fully responsible for libelous or defamatory comments.

  • No harassing, stalking, abusive, or unlawful behavior will be tolerated.

  • Users may report concerns. Administrators will respond to those concerns as soon as possible.

  • By submitting content to MPL’s social media sites, the participant is granting permission for MPL to use their name, photo, and any content contained within the post without compensation or liability on the part of MPL. This permission ends when the owner removes their post or submits a written request for MPL to delete the post.

  • Be aware of copyrighted and trademarked materials. Do not place information, intellectual property, logos, trademarks, or photos protected by copyright and trademark laws without the permission of the owner.

​

Responding to Posts

MPL has a designated social media staff who are responsible for monitoring and responding to public comments, posts, and questions. Library staff and representatives are to remain neutral in library-related posts and in response to questions. Staff can offer information resources that answer any questions and help people to make informed decisions. Any questions that cannot be answered by social media staff are referred to the Library Director or investigated further with a more detailed response to follow an initial acknowledgment of inquiry.

​

Staff Postings

Staff members posting on the library’s social media sites on personal time should be aware that information they display or comments they make on library social media sites may be viewed by other users as representing official library-sponsored information or comments. Therefore, in utilizing library social media websites, staff are free to express themselves as to the degree that their speech does not impair working relationships or activities of the library or brings an undue burden on the performance of library functions. Any such expressions shall not violate any confidentiality of their position, impede the performance of any employee’s duties, impair the discipline and harmony among coworkers, or negatively affect the public perception of the Madison Public Library. The MPL Director and their designees may directly publish or comment via social media using the MPL name and logo. Only with permission from the Director may other staff publish or comment using the MPL name and logo.

​

MPL is represented through the official social media channels created by marketing staff to maintain a clear and consistent message. MPL staff is not authorized to create new social media channels on behalf of MPL. Requests for social media channels, campaigns, or initiatives should be coordinated with marketing based on need and library goals and objectives.

​

Implementation

MPL staff shall have the responsibility of enforcing this policy. Violation of MPL’s Social Media Policy by the public or staff will be reported to library administration.

Violation of this policy by staff may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

​

Adopted by the Library Board of Trustees, July, 2023

Social Media Policy

bottom of page