[Publib] Blogging policies

[Audrey DeVillier]

I've run across a few library blogs and wondered how they get away with
writing about the things they do without repercussion.  None of them
specifically name names, but in some cases, I've seen directors (named) of
small libraries (named) blog about personnel issues in enough detail that
it wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who's who.  

I work in a mid-sized rural public libary.  I also write and perform
standup comedy in the Big City.  Neither my writing nor my act could be
construed as lewd in any way, but I never want that part of my life to
reflect negatively on my library.  I also don't like the idea of being
censored or censured.  So I publish, perform and blog under an assumed name
in a different city.  I also lie about my age.  Very few people have made
the connection, although I am open about it to those who ask.   My comedic
pursuits do not focus on my day job in the library, but of course, if
something funny happened at the library, I'd work it in there.... in the
most generic format possible.

My library doesn't have a specific policy on blogging as of yet.   I've
always operated under the assumption that it's never a good policy to
blab/gossip/blog about work-related details away from the workplace.  In
fact, it could be career suicide.  And it should go without saying that
blogging on company time is a big no-no.

Yes, blogging is sometimes therapeutic to stressed-out librarians.... but
if you're gonna name names.... you may want to have a private confession
session with someone professionally bound to confidentiality.... like a
priest or therapist.

That's my two cents.  I'd be interested in the wording of any policies on
blogging, though.




At 05:01 PM 7/30/2008 -0500, Toby Greenwalt wrote:
><apologies for cross-posting>
>
>The topic has been broached at my place of work regarding the
>potential need for a "decloaking" policy for library staff. This could
>refer to both in-house blogs and for staff members discussing work
>issues on their personal blogs.
>
>Has this been an issue for any of you? Have your libraries/workplaces
>developed any statements to this effect? I'm curious to see what's out
>there.
>
>Toby Greenwalt
>Chicagoland, IL
>
>
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Audrey Jo DeVillier
Head of Technical Processing
Iberville Parish Library
24605  J. Gerald Berret Blvd.
Plaquemine, LA  70765-0736
(225) 687-2520
 
"Until one has some kind of professional relationship with books, 
one does not discover how bad the majority of them are."
       				---- George Orwell