This policy governs the publication of commentary via social media by Directors of the Friends of the San Diego Public Library (FSDPL) when speaking in their roles as Directors. For the purposes of this policy, social media means any tool for online publication and commentary including, but not limited to, blogs, wikis, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Director publications on social media help the FSDPL expand its reach and increase its impact by: (1) raising awareness of the mission and work of the FSDPL; (2) building a sense of community among members and potential members; and (3) providing a virtual means to engage members and potential members.
Social media is an effective communication tool but also requires Directors to reconcile their public and private social media activities. Social media is designed for individual self-expression, which may conflict with the organizational message. This policy provides a framework for Directors to engage in these activities effectively and ethically.
While serving on the FSDPL Board, Directors are both permitted and encouraged to use social media as a conduit for informing the library community about projects and initiatives of the Board. This must occur in a professional and ethical manner.
Publication of commentary via social media channels carry similar obligations to other FSDPL statements. All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that Directors follow in their face-to-face Board practices. Directors must consider the Board Conflict of Interest Policy when publishing as a Director on social media sites.
To protect the tax-exempt status of the FSDPL, Directors speaking as Directors are not permitted to write about certain topics in any format, including social media. Specifically, Directors speaking as Directors (1) cannot endorse or oppose a product or company; (2) call for a boycott of a product or company; or (3) endorse or oppose any Federal, state or local candidate running for political office.
The FSDPL name may not be used in social media identities, logon ID’s, or usernames without prior approval from the President.
It is best to err on the side of caution. If a Director is unsure whether something is appropriate to publish on social media, they should contact the President or their designated representative before publication. If a Director, for whatever reason, takes an action that is in conflict with this policy, they will be contacted by the President to resolve the situation and may be asked to withdraw, correct, or revise publications.
- To distinguish when you are speaking as an individual and when you’re speaking as an FSDPL Director, consider setting up two accounts for each of the social media tools on which you publish. One account would be used for your role as an FSDPL Director the other account would be used for your personal matters.
- The FSDPL believes in transparency and honesty. When posting or responding to FSDPL issues, use your real name, be clear who you are, and identify what capacity you serve in. Do not post anonymously, using pseudonyms or false screen names.
- Use tags when publishing FSDPL content (e.g., #FSDPL or @FSDPL) to ensure your message reaches its targeted audience.
- Publish frequently and respond to comments and replies from others quickly and accurately.
- Know and respect your audience, including the FSDPL and its members.
- Be smart and protect your privacy by taking simple steps such as avoiding publishing personal details, like telephone numbers; reading web sites’ privacy policies, making use of privacy settings on social media sites, etc.
- Avoid social media arguments and debates and alert the President if you see a misrepresentation made about the FSDPL in social media. If you are accused by anyone of publishing something improperly, inform the President of the situation promptly to determine how to quickly resolve the situation.
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- Regardless of what account you use for publishing as a Director, limit your Board-related publications to sharing information about the work of the Board, news and announcements from the Board, etc. Personal opinions about individual Directors, specific Board decisions, etc., are inappropriate. Once the Board has taken action on a particular issue, the Board speaks with one voice—even if a particular Director’s vote on an issue was a dissenting opinion. Differences among Directors must be respected and encouraged, but once a vote is taken those who dissented must accept the decision and support its implementation.
- Before publishing, ask yourself if the publication will improve knowledge or skills of members of the FSDPL, if it contributes directly or indirectly to the improvement of the FSDPL, if it builds a sense of community or promotes the FSDPL’s mission.
- Write about what you know (if needed, verify any related facts, dates, etc. with the President).
- The following are some examples of the information a Director might share via social media:
- Announcements: “The FSDPL Board meeting is coming up, and we will be discussing a social media policy for Directors.”
- Board Liaison work: “I always find it interesting to read through the FSDPL’s Quarterly Chair Reports as it provides a very good overview of the work of FSDPL member groups.”
- New projects: “Did you know that the FSDPL Board is considering a new award for those who write for its publications? You can read about it on the FSDPL website at…..”
- Marketing: “Congratulations to Angela Carstenson on the new book she edited for the FSDPL, ‘Outstanding Books for the College Bound.’ Learn more at…..”
- PR: “Can’t wait to get to ALA’s Midwinter Meeting to find out who will win this year’s Printz Award!”
- Member engagement: “The FSDPL’s Board just established a blog Advisory Board. Fill out a volunteer form online if you want to be appointed to this group.”
- What you publish will be around for a long time so consider the content carefully. Strive to make sure it is accurate and professional.
- It is good general practice to link to others’ work rather than reproduce it. Adhere to the laws governing copyright and fair use or fair dealing of copyrighted material owned by others, including the FSDPL’s own trademarks, copyrights, and brands.
- Always ask for permission from the President before identifying a member, partner, or sponsor and never discuss confidential details of any individual’s or organization’s engagement in the FSDPL.
- Unless you are posting on social media in your capacity as an FSDPL director or officer, make it clear that any views expressed are yours alone and do not represent the official views of the FSDPL.
- Bring out your own personality and say what’s on your mind (in a respectful and professional tone).
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