Purpose
For the purposes of this policy, social media includes platforms such as blogs, instant messaging, texting, book reviews, social networking, and media sharing sites. The Richard Salter Storrs Library has established social media sites primarily to inform Library users about Library programs, resources, Library events, and nonprofit based community events, including those co-sponsored with other organizations.
This Social Media Policy is not intended to replace other Library policies.
The Library social media policy applies to all users, whether registered with the Storrs Library or not.
Policy
Social media content is maintained and monitored by Storrs Library staff. Comments and opinions from the public are welcome. The Library reserves the right to monitor all content before content is posted on any of the Library’s social media websites and accounts, and to modify or remove any messages or postings deemed to be abusive, defamatory, contrary to this Policy, or otherwise inappropriate. The Library’s reservation of rights includes, without limitation, the right to edit or modify any postings or comments for space or content. Storrs Library is not responsible or liable for content posted by any subscriber in any forum, message board, or other area within the service. A user participating in the Library’s social media service, consents to and agrees to comply with all Storrs Library policies. The content of the Library’s social media platforms is considered public record and is subject to disclosure per the Freedom of Information Act.
Any postings deemed inappropriate will be removed. Inappropriate comments include but are not limited to:
- Obscene or racist content
- Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
- Potentially libelous statements
- Plagiarized material, material in violation of copyrights, trademark rights, or other intellectual property rights
- Comments or hyperlinks not directly related to the discussion
- Commercial promotion, advertisement, or spam
- Organized political activity – including advertisements, endorsements, or promotional materials.
- Photos or images which fall into any of the above categories.
The Library is not responsible for enforcing restrictions which a parent or guardian may place on a minor’s use of social media.
Users of Library social media platforms should have no expectation of privacy in postings on Library sponsored sites. By posting on the Library’s social platforms, the user gives the Library permission to use their name, profile picture and the content of any posting made without compensation or liability on the part of the Library. In addition, the user agrees to indemnify the Storrs Library and its officers and employees from and against all liabilities, judgments, damages and costs (including attorney’s fees) incurred which arise out of, or are related to, the posted content.
In accordance with international, federal, state, and local laws, users will make every attempt to protect intellectual property rights. When quoting online publications, users will link to the original location. When using images or other media, users will attribute credit to the creator via hyperlink.
The Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is published on all our social platforms and accounts and to modify or remove any message or post it deems, in its sole discretion, to be abusive, defamatory, in violation of copyright law, or otherwise inappropriate.
Approved by the Board of Directors of the Richard Salter Storrs Library April 15, 2021