Since we have been talking a lot about social media policies in libraries, I have been thinking about how these policies play out in real life. At Sayville Library, social media has become one of our most important ways to connect with the community. We use it to promote programs, highlight what staff are reading, and share everything from museum passes to craft programs. It’s fun, fast-moving, and helps us reach people who might not always step through our doors. However, it can also get complicated!
In her article “Staying Social: Why Your Library Needs Social Media Policies” (2019), Gretchen Kaser Corsillo explains that social media is “one of the easiest, cheapest, and most effective ways to reach library patrons,” but that its accessibility can also create risks. She highlights examples of companies and organizations that faced backlash after poorly thought-out posts, reminding us that a single mistake online can have lasting consequences. Corsillo also points out how social media policies help clarify who manages accounts, what content is appropriate, and how to respond when issues arise. Her perspective feels especially relevant for public libraries, where different departments often share posting responsibilities and where community reactions can vary widely.
At the last library I worked at, there were times when a post would spark some unexpected reactions. Most of the time, these moments are small and easy to manage, but they remind me that social media is a public space and our words represent the library. Without clear guidelines, it can be tough for staff to know how to respond. Should you reply? Leave it alone? Delete the comment? I know for myself, I always appreciate a clearly written policy that I can fall back on, if I am ever not sure of what to do.
Policies take our library's values and turn them into clear expectations for online communication. As an example, Sayville Library classifies its social media pages as limited (or designated) public forums, meaning the public can comment freely but must follow respectful and relevant guidelines. That's a great model for any public library. It protects free expression while also maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Thanks, Rachel, for such a great takeaway from this week's readings! I really like the idea of social media being an actual "public space," complete with local neighbors, shops, houses, and an entire community engaging with each other on a regular basis, in real time. I think this helps me better understand how and in what ways we can compare library procedures or tools (such as social media) as a function of another universe or ecosystem, and this enables us to interact with its functions and its problems, differently. Thanks!
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