Social Media Policy

Purpose

Social media is defined as websites and applications that enable users to create and share content or to participate in social networking, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest. The Boulder Junction Public Library is committed to using current forms of social media for the purpose of facilitating an online platform of communication, promoting library services, and publicizing library programming. The Library Director determines which social media platforms the library will use. Social media networking is maintained and monitored by the Library Director and/or Library Assistant. The Social Media Policy is in addition to the library’s Internet Use Policy, which covers internet use not included in this policy.

Policy

The Library Director and/or Library Assistant reserve the right to monitor content before it is posted on social media applications, websites, and web accounts. The Boulder Junction Public Library is not responsible for the content of posts made by third parties and such posts do not reflect the positions of the library or its staff.

Users should have no expectation of privacy when posting on library sponsored social media sites; by using such sites, you consent to the library’s right to access, monitor, modify, delete and otherwise use your submissions for any purpose in any form on any media.

Library Staff Responsibilities
• Engage with the community by promoting library events, services, and resources.
• Posting content to, or managing, the library’s social media.
• Maintain professionalism at all times. This includes verifying facts, citing sources, avoiding copyright and trademark infringement, and correcting any errors before posting.
• Conduct themselves as library representatives and adhere to all library policies when representing the library on social media.
• Do not include personal opinions, negative remarks, and inappropriate or discriminatory language.
• Monitor social media sites for comments that require responses or violate this policy. All responses to public comments will remain factual and civil.
• Ensure that the privacy and confidentiality of library users are respected in all online interactions.
• Regularly update and maintain the accuracy of information shared on social media platforms.
• Receive and address feedback or complaints regarding library services in a constructive manner.

Appropriate Content:
• Notice of upcoming library meetings or events
• Press releases
• Library policies and procedures
• Information about library services, trends, or technologies
• Communication between the library and the library community regarding Boulder Junction Public Library work and/or projects
• Training and continuing education opportunities
• Promotion of the library or the library’s system, library associations or other professional bodies related to the library’s activities
• Information about the community and information or events in the community that are relevant to Boulder Junction Public Library patrons.

User Responsibilities:
• Be courteous, considerate, and understanding of others.
• Respect the safety and wellbeing of others.
• Respect the intellectual/creative property of others (i.e., observe copyright and licensing laws and guidelines).
• Disseminate accurate and truthful information and resources. The terms of service of each social media platform must also be upheld.

Content containing any of the following will be removed immediately from any Boulder Junction Public Library social media sites:
• Obscene, sexist, homophobic, racist, or otherwise bigoted or discriminatory content
• Personal attacks, insults, or harassing/threatening language
• Potentially libelous or slanderous statements
• Falsification of identity
• Copyrighted, licensed, or plagiarized material
• Private or personal information, including, but not limited to, phone numbers and addresses, or requests for personal information
• Spam or other commercial, political, or religious messages unrelated to the library or its social media postings
• Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion or library
• Solicitation of funds from anyone other than the library or Friends of the Library group
• Any images, links, or other content that falls into the above categories

Public Record
Content posted to public library social media is public record and subject to Wisconsin Public Records Law. This is inclusive of content that may be removed from public view by moderation.

Disclaimer
Content posted by individuals not authorized to administer/moderate Boulder Junction Public Library social media accounts do not reflect the views or positions of the library, its Trustees, library staff, or the Town of Boulder Junction. Community members should exercise their own judgment about the quality and accuracy of any information presented through social media.

By posting content to any Boulder Junction Public Library social media account, individuals indemnify and hold harmless the library against any damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, costs or expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising out of a claim by a third party related to any material you have posted.

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Adopted April 2012
Revised May 2019
Revised January 2022
Revised March 2025