Purpose
The OWWL Library System has adopted this Social Media Policy to establish guidelines, procedures, and best practices for the use of social media websites, platforms, and resources.
The primary goals of OWWL Library System’s use of social media are to:
- Promote OWWL Library System services;
- Promote Member Libraries and their services;
- Call for library advocacy; and
- Share relevant community resources.
When necessary, social media will also be used by the OWWL Library System to share emergency communications, public service announcements, and service-related information.
The audience of the System’s social media pages are the staff and trustees of the 42 member libraries and the general public in Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming, and Livingston counties.
For the purposes of this policy, “social media” refers to any social media site, blog, network, and communication tools that exist now and in the future that allow public feedback and sharing on the internet.
Internal Guidelines
New Social Media accounts may be established with Executive Director approval and must use internal procedures for email address and password management.
Login information for social media accounts should be shared following internal procedure. Individual email addresses cannot be used in the creation of new social media accounts.
All System social media accounts must have at least two System staff member named as an account administrator.
When posting, staff should follow the following guidelines:
- All accounts should incorporate OWWL Library System branding.
- Posts are representing OWWL Library System and the content created and shared is a reflection of the organization.
- The tone should be consistent with the communication and marketing strategy of the organization.
- Content should be written from the point of view of the “We,” which represents the System as a whole.
- Maintain copyright and fair use when posting content.
- Content should be current, accurate, and relevant to the intended audience.
- Content should be easy to read and understand.
- Graphics and images should be hi-resolution.
- Include links and tags when appropriate.
- Respond to comments and messages as necessary.
- Posts and comments should be friendly yet professional and should not include the expression of personal, political, or religious views.
- The System does not provide non-System related advice to library patrons or community members.
- Social Media is not to be used to collect information on library patrons or community members.
- All other the System policies apply equally to use of social media.
Monitoring Accounts
- Social media accounts will be monitored for content that violates System policies.
- Content cannot be removed on the basis of disagreement with their viewpoint.
- If content is removed, it should be printed and filed for one year.
- Repeat violations of System policies may result in temporary or permanent removal from the System’s social media page(s).
- Persons wishing to appeal a removed post or a temporary or permanent ban can file an appeal with the Executive Director.
- The Executive Director should be notified about any comment or post violating System policies.
Privacy
OWWL Library System social media accounts will not be used to collect information about library patrons or community members. However, social media is a public forum, and users should have no expectation of privacy when posting, commenting, or interacting on social media sites.
Personal Social Media Use
Personal use of social media is discussed in the Staff Handbook.
Disclaimer
The OWWL Library System is not responsible or liable for the content of postings by third parties on any System social media account, and such postings do not reflect the opinions or positions of the System, its staff, or its Board of Trustees.
Ongoing Use Evaluation
The role of social media in relation to the mission of the OWWL Library System will be evaluated periodically by the Executive Director, and System staff, and may be changed or terminated at any time at the discretion of the Executive Director.
Questions or concerns regarding OWWL Library System social media accounts or this policy should be directed to the Executive Director.
Last Updated by the OWWL Library System Board of Trustees on May 14, 2025