[Publib] Blogging policies

[Karen Turk]

I think it's interesting that people are so sensitive about blogging about
work situations. Obviously I would never advocate blogging while on the job,
but I think when bloggers go so far as to change names or identifying
details about library problems it shouldn't be an issue. Sometimes a simple
complaint about a work situation can stimulate discussion among bloggers
that yield productive solutions (esp. if it is a library specific blog.)
Also, does anyone else see the irony in librarians being the guardians of
free speech, except when that entails criticizing library policy or venting
about work incidents? All of that aside, most blogs have "locked entry" or
"friends only" options that take seconds to enable if a blogger is really
concerned about privacy.Just my .02 worth.

On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 12:01 PM, Nate Hill <nathanielhill at gmail.com> wrote:

> Can't say I completely disagree with any of this... but just for arguments
> sake, is it really any different to post on a listeserv during work time
> then to blog during work time?
>
> I'm an active blogger and I would also be interested in hearing about
> blogging policies at any libraries as well.
>
> On Thu, Jul 31, 2008 at 11:46 AM, Audrey DeVillier <
> adevilli at state.lib.la.us> wrote:
>
>> 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
>> >
>> >
>> >_______________________________________________
>> >Publib mailing list
>> >Publib at webjunction.org
>> >http://lists.webjunction.org/mailman/listinfo/publib
>> >
>> >
>> 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
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>
>
> --
> Nate Hill
> nathanielhill at gmail.com
> http://natehill.wordpress.com/
>
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