Social Media Policy

The Carroll and Madison Library System recognizes the importance of social media and advantages to promoting our libraries through such means.  The following policy applies to all social media platforms including, but not limited to:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter
• Tumblr
• Flickr
• YouTube
• Snapchat
• Pinterest

Administration of Accounts

Any social media platform associated with a CAMALS library is to have at least two people with account login information.  In the case of Facebook, at least one staff member other than the Library Director, plus the Regional Library Administrator, must be an administrator of the page.  It is encouraged that anyone with administrative rights to any library social networking account use two-factor authentication for logging in. 

Posting Guidelines

All posts should be library related in some way.  Questions from the public on social media platforms should be answered quickly.

It is suggested that prior to an event, library staff should make parents and legal guardians aware that any photos taken during the event may be used to promote the library online, in print, and in other media. 

Public Forum

Social media platforms are an extension of the library and are an important format to engage the public.  Abuse will not be tolerated and said user will be blocked from the platform.  Abuse includes statements, comments, pictures, or links that are: obscene, pornographic, racist, personal attacks or threats, commercial promotions, and spam.

Requests for consideration of removal will be considered by the Library Director.

Personal Accounts

CAMALS assumes no responsibility of personal social media accounts of staff members.  However, it is recommended that staff members remember that their conduct online is a reflection not only on CAMALS but as well on the individual libraries and communities they serve.  Posts that are inflammatory or display bigotry of any kind, or contain threatening words or calls to violent action, do not represent the values and culture of public libraries in general and therefore may be submitted to the appropriate administrative library boards of Carroll or Madison county for review.