Social Media
Perry County Public Library (PCPL) is committed to using social media to inform users about educational opportunities, library programs, events, including those co-sponsored with other organizations, and materials, as well as to encourage dialogue between users and Library staff. Social media software includes such formats as blogs, listservs, websites, social networking sites, posts to community reviews, instant messaging tools, and patron rating of Library materials, which may or may not be hosted by the Library.
Posts do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Library, its employees, or its Board of Trustees.
The Library uses such social media software tools for educational, cultural, civic, and recreational purposes. This type of social media software is intended to create a welcoming and inviting online space where library users will find useful and entertaining information and can interact with Library staff and other Library users.
Content and comments posted by users do not reflect the views of the Library. For official information and Library announcements please visit our website.
The appearance of external links or advertisements on social networking sites in which the Library participates does not constitute endorsement by the Library.
The Library reserves the right to monitor content before it is posted and to remove messages, images, and postings that it deems, in its sole discretion, to be unlawful or off topic.
Rules for Public Commenting
Do not post personally identifying information such as last name, school, age, phone number, address, or similar information. Posts containing, but not limited to, the following are against Library rules and, where possible, will be deleted before posting or removed by library staff:
- Obscene content or hate speech
- Personal attacks, insults, harassment, or specific and imminent threats
- Potentially libelous statements
- Plagiarized material
- Private, personal information, such as comments, photographs, or images published without consent
- Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion
- Commercial promotions or spam
- Organized political activity
- Copyright, trademark and fair use violations
- Duplicated posts from the same individuals
- Improper use of the Library’s name or logo
By posting on the library’s social media, users give the Library permission to use their name, profile picture, and the content of any posting they make without compensation to them or liability on the part of the Library. The Library will not identify members of the public in social media posts through accompanying text or photograph highlighting within the platform itself, typically called “tagging,” without consent. If the subject is under 18 years old, consent must be given by the parent or legal guardian. The Library is not responsible for members of the public being identified by third parties either in comments or by tagging.
Brand and Logo Use
Pair the visual element, the PCPL logo, with our preferred styled text whenever possible. When space allows and it is visually appropriate, include our locations and website.
Logo size should be at least as large as the visual area of the slogan, if not larger.
These elements should be used in logo colors or a single color.
The Library’s name, logo, image, and/or likeness may not be used to project, suggest, or express an implied partnership, sponsorship, affiliation, or any other type of relationship between the Library and any individual or organization without approval from the Library Director, Outreach & Communications Coordinator, or other designee.
Photography & Recording Activities
The Library reserves the right to document its services and the public’s use of the Library. These photographs and recordings may be copied, displayed, telecast, published, or shared on the Library’s website and social media to promote and inform the public about the Library. This extends to Friends of the Library events, Library events, and activities in the community.
In general, photography and recording are permitted in public spaces on PCPL property, provided they do not:
- Violate the Community Use Agreement
- Interfere with PCPL staff and patrons who do not wish to be recorded, including minors whose caregiver has not given consent
- Hinder a Library staff member from performing work duties
- Impact access to Library services or resources
- Pose a risk to individual or public safety or security
- Constitute harassment
- Require special equipment, such as tripods, lights, or similar equipment, in a way that disrupts patrons or PCPL staff, unless permission to use such equipment has been granted by the Library Director.
- Violate local, state, or federal laws
Photography and recording efforts may be immediately terminated by any PCPL staff member if it is determined that these actions violate one or more of the aforementioned guidelines. Permission to photograph or record does not release the persons or groups involved from liability for injuries to persons or property that result from their activities on Library property.
Community organizations holding scheduled events or meetings in Library spaces may arrange for their own commercial photography or recording of their event. Such commercial photography and recording is restricted to the space reserved by the group, and the group is responsible for any necessary releases and permissions.
First Amendment Rights
On Library property, individuals can exercise their First Amendment expression rights to any extent that does not interfere with the Library’s purpose or mission, as set forth in Indiana Law (IC 36-12-1-8):
Public libraries are to be “part of the provision for public education” by meeting “the educational, informational, and recreational interests and needs of the public” through “collecting and organizing books and other library materials” and “providing reference, loan, and related services to library patrons.”
If a patron behaves in a way that impedes the Library from accomplishing its goals, that behavior is not protected by the First Amendment, even if it is a form of expression or communication.
Adopted 7/8/2026