NYLA Social Media Policy

Statement of Purpose
The purpose of the NYLA Social Media Policy is to ensure that posts to NYLA related social media accounts increase communication, ensure the accuracy of all distributed information, provide for continuity across units (all NYLA Sections, Round Tables, Committees, Affiliates or any other entity operating under NYLA), and create awareness about the association’s endeavors & library-related events.

Define Social Media
For the purposes of this policy, social media is any interactive computer-mediated technology that allows the creating and sharing of information, ideas, career interests and other forms of expression via virtual communities and networks. Examples of social media may include, but are not limited to; Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat.

NYLA Social Media Aims

  1. Champion libraries and librarianship
  2. Inform and raise awareness of NYLA and its activities
  3. Promote activities of the groups and sections in particular
  4. Create relevant interactions with followers and members

Account Requirements

Creation of New Accounts
Social media is a constantly changing technology, with new platforms being created on a regular basis. If a NYLA Unit decides to create a new account, it should notify the NYLA Offices preceding account creation.

Branding
All accounts shall include NYLA branding on their social media efforts including the NYLA logo and language which identifies the unit as part of the larger NYLA organization.

NYLA Admin Access
Any NYLA Unit that has or establishes a Social Media Account will grant administrative rights/access to the designated NYLA staff member. This will ensure that NYLA is aware of the social media efforts of each NYLA Unit. NYLA may moderate comments and communications when necessary.

Inactive Accounts
Each NYLA Unit will report its active social media accounts to the committee 30 days prior to the annual conference. Accounts should not remain inactive for more than 6 months.

Conduct Standards

Use Common Sense:

  1. Remember that your unit is representing NYLA and that the content created and shared is a reflection on the organization.
  2. Be thoughtful in your posts.
  3. Be respectful of others, even when disagreeing.
  4. Consider alignment with NYLA’s strategic plan and initiatives when following or friending other organizations or individuals.
  5. Maintain copyright and fair use when posting content.

Transparency:

  1. Make sure that your affiliation with NYLA is represented.
  2. Identify the name of your unit in an appropriate location (profile page, information page, etc.) as well as your unit’s mission.
  3. Use an approved NYLA logo.
  4. Include contact information (website, individual contact, address, email, phone, etc.), as determined by the platform/application, so that others can contact a representative of your unit. Be sure to link back to the NYLA website (http://www.nyla.org/), where appropriate, so that the unit can be contacted through NYLA if necessary.
  5. Provide a link (follow, become a fan of, etc.) back to the official NYLA page on a given social networking site.

Content:

  1. When maintaining a social networking site, it is important to ensure that the content being shared is appropriate and relevant to our audience.
  2. For maximum impact, consider sharing posts on NYLA’s official accounts. Make sure that the content you provide adds value to readers’ understanding of NYLA and New York libraries.
  3. Cite articles and resources when necessary with traditional citations, tags or links.
  4. Regularly monitor the discussions/comments to ensure that content is appropriate.
  5. Encourage participation and only delete reader comments sparingly, including under the following circumstances:
    1. Off-topic messages, and those that do not meet the mission of the unit
    2. Spam
    3. Personal attacks
    4. Illegal content
    5. Offensive language
    6. Private/confidential information
    7. Banning of participants should only occur after a participant has made repeated posts that warrant deletion.  Banning should be documented and the details of the ban should be shared with the NYLA Executive Director and current NYLA President.  The banned participant should be notified that they have violated the acceptable use of the social media site and be informed of the length of the ban.  Questions regarding this situation should be directed to the NYLA Executive Director.
    8. Promptly respond to posts/comments when appropriate to show that you are engaged.
    9. If you make a mistake, admit it.  Be upfront and be quick with your correction.  If you modify an earlier post, note that you have done so.
    10. Photos - Remember that any content posted to social networking sites is available to others, and may be publicly visible by anyone.  Therefore, the following guidelines should be observed when posting photos online:
      1. Ensure that photos are appropriate for inclusion in a NYLA-endorsed venue.
      2. Ensure that the proper permissions are acquired before using photos of individuals.
      3. Parental permission is required for photos of minors.
      4. Photos accompanying news articles do not require written permission but may have a limited period for public display.
      5. Consider archiving NYLA-related photos.

NYLA reserves the right to moderate social media activity

Comments containing any of the following may be removed:

  1. Obscene or racist content
  2. Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language
  3. Potential libelous statements
  4. Plagiarized material
  5. Private, personal information published without permission
  6. Comments totally unrelated to the content of the forum
  7. Hyperlinks to material that are not directly related to the discussion
  8. Commercial promotions or political activity
  9. Inaccurate or misleading information
  10. Spam