Edwardsville Public Library

Social Media Policy

The Edwardsville Public Library has established social media sites primarily in order to reach out and connect with Library users and potential users. Social media is used to disseminate information about Library programs, events, resources, and to encourage dialogue between users and the Library. It also serves to facilitate conversation and expand the Library’s connection with the community. The Edwardsville Public Library regards social media as equally important as any other venue for the dissemination of library information. Social media is broadly defined as any web application, site or account created and maintained by the library which allows users to share or obtain information. The Edwardsville Public Library welcomes comments, posts, and messages on its social networking sites. Online interactions will be regularly monitored and reviewed for content and relevancy. However, any post or message with any of the following will be removed:

Obscene, sexist, homophobic, racist, or otherwise bigoted content. Personal attacks, insults, threatening or profane language. Potentially libelous statements. Plagiarizing or posting copyrighted material. Private, personal information of another person without appropriate consent or authority. Comments, postings, and/or hyperlinks not related to the content created by the library staff. Advertisement and solicitations not expressly permitted by the library including political advertisements and endorsements. Photos, videos or other images that fall in any of the above categories. Off-topic comments or links. In cases where there are multiple occurrences of posts or messages that are in violation of this policy, a user may be prohibited from posting on the Library’s social media sites. Social media users who feel that they have been unfairly restricted or that their content has been unfairly deleted may file a written appeal within 30 days of the occurrence to the Library Director who will then review the appeal with the Library Board. Appeals will be reviewed at the next available Library Board Meeting. Edwardsville Public Library reserves the right to edit or modify postings and comments for space and content, while retaining the intent of the original post. The Library reserves the right to reproduce, distribute, publish, edit, modify and otherwise use your submissions for any library-related purpose in any form on any media. The Library recommends against posting personal information to our social media platforms and is not responsible for personal information patrons post about themselves. Everything posted to our social media accounts is part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. We will not share your contact information with any other party or institution. Approved by the Edwardsville Public Library Board of Trustees
3/28/18, Revised 4/25/18