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Document Name |
GHC Library Social Media Policy | Public or Private? | Public |
| Classification | Policy | Date Proposed | 4/17/19 |
| Document Number | LI101 | Date Effective | |
| Subject | GHC Library's Social Media Account Usage | Date Last Reviewed | |
| Group(s) Impacted | Library Faculty & Staff; GHC Library Social Media Users | Responsible Office(s) | Library and Testing Services |
Policy Statement
Georgia Highlands College Libraries recognize the opportunity for use of social media outlets to assist in fulfilling the library's mission as well as the mission of Georgia Highlands College to provide access to excellent educational opportunities and create an environment conducive to successful learning and meaningful research.
Social Media outreach performed by the libraries will serve to notify and inform the GHC Community (internal and external) of library services available. Additionally, the libraries will utilize social media to build and strengthen relationships between the GHC Libraries and GHC Community.
Opinions expressed on any social media platform do not reflect the views or positions of the library, its officers, or its employees. Social media users should exercise their own judgment about the quality and accuracy of any information presented through social media.
Acceptable Behavior
By joining, utilizing and/or posting on the Library’s social media sites, GHC Library social media users agree to comply with this Policy, and other Library Policies as applicable. The Library’s Social Media Policy applies whether or not a user chooses to post comments using a computer at the Library or when posting from any other computer to any Library social media site. While the Library encourages dialog, it respectfully requests that users be mindful that its social media sites are open to the public and that comments remain courteous and respectful. Patrons are personally responsible for their commentary. Patrons should be aware that they may be held personally liable for commentary that is defamatory, obscene, proprietary or libelous by any offended party, not just the Library.
Reconsideration
Complaints regarding GHC Libraries social media should be sent to the Dean of Libraries and College Testing who will share the complaint and discuss with the Library Leadership Team. Determination on the appropriateness of the post to remain on the social media sites will be made by the Library Leadership Team with the right of veto belonging to the Dean of Libraries and College Testing. The complainant will be informed of the Leadership Team's decision.
No posts made by GHC Libraries will be removed without following this proper procedure. Decisions to remove content/posts will not reside on the authority of the social media administrator alone.
Responsibility
GHC Employees
All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that GHC Library employees must otherwise follow. Librarians and library staff should consider the ALA Code of Ethics when using social media. GHC Library social media interactions must adhere to state and federal laws and regulations, and University policies.
Social Media Users
The Library supports patrons' right to free speech, but reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed to be in violation of this policy or any applicable law. Content that is deemed not suitable for posting by the Library because it is not topically related to the particular subject being commented on, or is deemed prohibited based on the criteria defined below, shall be retained pursuant to the records retention schedule along with a description of the reason(s) the specific content was deleted. Content and comments on the Library’s social media accounts containing any of the following forms of content and postings shall not be allowed:
User Privacy
The GHC Libraries respect the privacy of all users. Interactions on GHC Libraries' social media must protect confidential information with respect to privacy laws, copyright, and other legal rights.