Communications Policy

This policy covers the public relations goals of the Library, specific social media goals, and the use of display spaces in and outside of the Library. 

Public Relations  

The public relations goals of the Library are:  

  • To promote a good understanding of the Library’s objectives and services among governing officials, civic leaders, and the public.  
  • To promote active participation in the varied services offered by the Library to people of all ages. 

Every person connected with the Library is engaged in public relations. Members
of the Board and staff members represent our Library in every public contact.  

The Director is expected to make presentations and participate in community activities to promote Library services. A reasonable amount of staff time will be allowed for preparation and speaking. Materials to be used by press, radio, or television will be approved by the Director. 

The annual budget will, as far as possible, include funds to cover costs for printing, supplies, and miscellaneous items related to the public relations effort. 

Social Media  

This section of this policy is in addition to the Library’s Computer, Internet, and Wireless Use Policy, which covers areas of social media not included in this policy. This policy applies to all Library staff as well as Library patrons, whether registered with the Library or not. 

Definition 

Social media is defined as any website or application that allows users to share information electronically. This includes blogging, instant messaging, social networking (on websites like Facebook and Twitter), and Wikipedia (online encyclopedias). 

The Library is committed to using current forms of social media to become more accessible to users and promote Library services and resources more widely. 

The Library treats online social media the same as other information resources and communication channels. As with more traditional resources, the Library does not act in place of or in the absence of a parent. The Library is not responsible for enforcing restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of this resource. 

Disclaimer 

All social media sites used by the Library contained the following disclaimer:
“This site is for discussion purposes only and does not reflect the official views of the Butler Public Library. Any views expressed on this website are those of the individual post author only. The Butler Public Library accepts no liability for the content of this site.”  

Rights of the Library 

The Director and designated staff reserve the right to monitor content before it is posted on all its social media applications, web sites and web accounts, and to modify or remove any messages, tags, or postings that they deem to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of copyright, trademark right or other intellectual property rights of any third party, or otherwise inappropriate use of the service. 

Attribution 

In accordance with various international, federal, state, and local laws, staff will make every attempt to protect copyrighted or other intellectual property rights: 

  • When quoting another blog or publication: hyper-link to the original (if possible) and use quotation marks or block quotes. 
  • When using images or other media found elsewhere on the web: attribute credit to the author or creator via hyperlink. 

Appropriate Content 

The following examples of appropriate content are not an exhaustive list:  

  • Notice of upcoming Library meetings or events. 
  • Information about Library services, trends, or technologies. 
  • Discuss books or virtually host a book club. 
  • Promotion of the Library on the System, library association, or other professional bodies related to the Library’s activities. 
  • Content of all press releases.  
  • Library policies and procedures. 
  • Communication between Library staff and the community regarding work and/or projects. 
  • Training and continuing education opportunities. 

Inappropriate Comments 

The following examples of inappropriate content are not an exhaustive list:  

  • Obscene or racist content. 
  • Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language. 
  • Potentially libelous statements. 
  • Copyrighted or plagiarized material. 
  • Private, personal information published without consent. 
  • Comments unrelated to the content of the forum. 
  • Hyperlinks to material that is not related to a specific discussion
    or to the Library. 
  • Commercial promotions or spam. 

Social Media Links 

Social media posts, especially on the Facebook page, may be linked to other pages (known as Facebook Friends pages) which are not created or maintained by the Library.  

The Library is not responsible for the content on these Friends pages. The Library does not endorse any information, opinions, services, graphics, or advertisements available for viewing on Facebook. In the case of Facebook, Library staff can remove any Friend from their own Facebook page. 

Parent’s Rights 

The Library affirms the right and responsibility of parents/guardians to determine and monitor their minor children’s use of the Internet. Minors are defined in this policy as children and young people under the age of 18 years. Parents are responsible for their minor children’s use of the Library’s resources and facilities. Parents who believe that their children cannot responsibly use the Library’s Internet access, including access to social networks, may choose to not allow their child access to the Internet at the Library by completing a Parental Opt-Out for Internal Access form available from the staff or retrieved from the Library website. 

The Library encourages participants to use real names as screen names. Offensive screen names are not acceptable. 

Public Notice Bulletin Board/Electronic Monitor  

The Library maintains bulletin boards, brochure racks, and an electronic monitor for sharing library, community, or public service information and materials of educational or cultural interest. 

Library display and exhibit space shall conform to the Library Bill of Rights. The Board subscribes to the tenets of the Library Bill of Rights, which states in part:  

“Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.”  

Approval of a display or distribution of handout materials does not indicate the Library’s endorsement of any cause or activity. 

All materials for display or distribution must be submitted to Library staff for approval. 

Because space is limited, materials will given priority based on the following order: 

  1. Butler Public Library and Waukesha County Federated Library System announcements and publications. 
  1. Friends of the Butler Public Library announcements and publications. 
  1. Village of Butler and Waukesha County government announcements
    and publications.  
  1. State of Wisconsin and federal government announcements and publications. 
  1. Civic, recreational, cultural, and educational announcements and publications for not-for-profit organizations. If space is limited, priority will be given to events and organizations in the immediate Butler area. 

Displays and Exhibits 

As an educational and cultural institution, the Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information, and enlightenment to the community. Displays of handiwork, historical material, nature study, or any other material deemed of general interest may be exhibited. The Director has the authority to accept or reject material offered for display based on its suitability for the community. 

The Library assumes no responsibility for the preservation or protection, and no liability for damage or theft of any item displayed or exhibited. All items placed in the Library are there at the owner’s risk. 

A release must be signed by the exhibitor before any display or exhibit can be placed in the Library. Request a form from the staff or retrieve from the Library website.