Athens County Public Libraries (ACPL) believes that by participating in social networking, the library system is more relevant, effective and accessible. ACPL strives to create and facilitate an informative, engaging and inclusive online environment to share library and literacy-related information, and to promote services and resources throughout all of its communities.
ACPL defines “social networking” as any online platform (including the ACPL website) that allows users to share information and interact with library representatives.
Though social networking is only one communication tool, its impact continues to grow. Through online platforms such as social media, ACPL can better promote itself as a seven-branch system and part of a larger public library culture.
ACPL analyzes only the effectiveness of its social networking (examples: most popular monthly Facebook post, most visited website page, etc.) and does not collect, maintain or otherwise use personal information stored on any third-party site in any way other than to communicate with users, unless granted permission by users.
Comments, posts, messages and other interactions are welcome on ACPL profiles and sites. ACPL recognizes and respects differences in opinions; however, interactions will be regularly monitored and reviewed for content and relevancy. All postings containing any of the following will be removed:
- obscene or sexually explicit content
- content that discriminates against race, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ancestry, or
abilities - personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
- potentially libelous statements
- plagiarized or copyrighted material
- private, personal information published without consent
- comments or hyperlinks unrelated to the content of the forum or post
- commercial promotions or spam
- photos, videos or other images that fall into any of the above categories
ACPL reserves the right to edit or modify any postings or comments for space or content, while retaining the intent of the original post. ACPL shall also be granted the right to reproduce online comments, posts, and messages in other public venues and publicity materials. Identifying information, other than first name, will be removed unless granted permission by the user.
As with other traditional resources, ACPL does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent and is not responsible for enforcing restrictions that a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of online resources. Online users should also be aware that third-party websites have their own privacy policies and should proceed accordingly.
ACPL assumes no liability regarding any event or interaction that takes place by any participant in any library-sponsored social networking service and does not endorse or review outside content. The role and utility of social networking sites will be evaluated periodically by ACPL and may be terminated at any time.
Revised April 20, 2017
