Libraries, Social Networking, and Ethics
Libraries that use Facebook and other social networking services to connect with library users find themselves running into a variety of ethical quandaries. For guidance on these and other dilemmas of the Web 2.0 world, we hope you’ll join the Committee on Professional Ethics for a thought-provoking program at ALA’s Annual Conference.
“Ethics in a Digital World: Using Policies to Guide Professional and Personal Presence in Social Networking Spaces” will introduce attendees to best practices and social software guidelines to protect library staff without hampering service. Our speakers are Peter Fernandez, who will discuss privacy considerations of which librarians should be aware when using social networking sites; Ruth Sara Connell, who will address the issue of librarian self-disclosure online; Robert S. Peck, who will discuss First Amendment issues that arise when using social networking sites for library outreach; and Brian Kooy, who will provide tips and advice for librarians on how to write a social software policy that addresses the concerns discussed by the other panelists.
This program will take place Sunday, June 27 from 1:30 — 3:30 pm at the Renaissance Washington Auditorium. Don’t miss it!