Live Oak Public Libraries (“LOPL” or “the Library”) has adopted an Internet Acceptable Use Policy as well as a Confidentiality of Library Records Policy that governs activities and protects the privacy of those who use the Library. A complete copy of these policies can be accessed via the Library’s website. Additionally, the Library uses social media to provide information and to promote its programs, services, and resources, and LOPL also uses social media sites to engage and connect with the public, patrons, and partners about Library-related topics and activities (together the “Intended Purpose” of LOPL social media sites).
Interacting with the Library Online
Library users have many opportunities to interact with the Library online. We treat our customers with respect and expect the same in return. Here are some guidelines for online conduct. Comments, posts, and messages are welcome on the Library’s social media sites. By using and/or posting on a Library-sponsored social media site, users agree to comply with these guidelines. Users are also subject to the policies, agreements, and terms of service of the social media platforms they use.
What You Can Expect of Us
Public postings do not indicate Library endorsement of the ideas, issues, hyperlinks or commentary posted. Additionally, endorsement is not implied via “following,” “friending,” or otherwise linking to other online entities.
Library staff who post on social media sites must follow the guidelines established in LOPL policies for employees. LOPL does not endorse the content of employees’ personal social media posts.
LOPL reserves the right to remove posts that violate these guidelines and to take all other action consistent with enforcing this policy, including but not limited to informing the social media platform of user violations.
What We Can Expect of You
The following are examples, including without limitation, of postings that are not permitted on Library-sponsored social media sites:
- Potentially libelous comments
- Profane language or content
- Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, political ideology, veteran status, marital status or physical or mental disability
- Obscene or racist comments
- Sexual content or links to sexual content
- Illegal activity or encouragement of illegal activity
- Personal attacks or harassment
- Threats of violence
- Comments not topically related to the particular issue presented
- Repetitive posts of the same material that disrupt normal operation of the forum
- Hyperlinks to material not directly related to the discussion or the Library
- Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems
- Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party
- Postings of, or request for, personal information, such as phone number, address, financial accounts, etc.
- Impersonation of someone else
- Commercial messages, including advertisements and solicitations and spam
- Support for or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures
While First Amendment rights are broad, this viewpoint neutral policy is consistent with the First Amendment rights of LOPL’s patrons and partners as it serves to promote the use of LOPL social media sites for their Intended Purpose.