Just starting to read information regarding developing a Social Media Policy. A blog post from Mashable reveals 10 Must Haves in a Media Policy. I particularly like the good advice in #5 Exercise Good Judgement #6 Consider the Community and #8 Confidentiality.
Jure’s Blog and features 12 Most Common Elements of Effective Social Media Policy. I like that it is succinct – providing an overview of the elements to be considered and applied to individual contexts.
The use of social media is becoming more mainstream and organisations – including schools – are developing a growing social media presence as part of marketing, value adding, engaging and educating ‘customers’. Yet, there are organisational concerns regarding the effects of social media on productivity, privacy and online-safety (Burkhardt, 2011). It is clear that the concepts of Representation, Responsibility and Respect (Sprecht, M, 2009) require consideration to assist social media users to be effective and ethical in this medium. As a response to concerns for safety and ethical use in workplace contexts, social media policies have been developed and implemented in a way that endeavours to enhance the organisation and the underlying principles and values of Web 2.0 (4 C’s), without damaging its reputation and alienating employees.
To be part of organizational change I know that I will need to facilitate the writing and implementation of a social media policy. Engaging in some thinking on this topic, I realise that I will need to consider the following:
* How to develop and maintain Social Media in our College context
* How to create policy of best practice
* How to moderate use
* Monitoring privacy and copyright issues.
I have heard that people are now writing Responsible Use policies rather than Acceptable Use policies – whilst some might see the change in wording as just an exercise in semantics, I find the change to considering ‘Responsible Use’ much more proactive and responsive to learners compared to thinking about the prescribed ‘judgements’ of Acceptable Use Scenarios.
The use of Social Media for my current INF506 Pilot Project has reinforced for me the need to consider how we can best prepare for Student and Community use of Social Media tools in learning. I do sense an increase in my involvement as a Curriculum Collaborator and Information Use Adviser/ Facilitator (as the TL) in my workplace.
References:
Burkhardt, A. (2010). Social media: A guide for college and university libraries. College & Research Libraries News, 71,(1), 10-24. Retrieved September 4, 2011 from
http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/1/10.full.pdf+html
OLJ# 3 Entry – Social Media Policies – Strategic Aspects.
Schools need to develop social media policies that set clear expectations and empower and reward those who connect and communicate. Students and staff need to use social media without fear of privacy breaches, z breaking copyright law or experiencing cyber-security and bullying issues. To advise a social media working party at our College I would suggest the following five key points:
1. Define the purpose and explain the scope in user-friendly, simple terms clearly stating what type of social media activities the policy covers in the workplace/college. Use responsible-use terminology that are empowering guidelines rather than restrictive rules. Include an emphasis on the need for review as social media is dynamic and policy will need to evolve as new trends and technologies emerge (Burkhardt, 2010).
2. Frame the policy in the context of the College’s overall vision and values. This will make it more meaningful to staff and students and increase ownership. Incorporating the College’s shared values including Character Development, Leadership, Innovative creativity and Life-long learning and Mission and service. These provide context, quality and vision to shape a better future and incorporate values which also reflect Web 2.0 philosophies.
3. Clearly define expectations and positive behaviour. Explain ‘rules’ of engagement within clearly outlined boundaries and limitations (Junco, 2011). Include reminders, responsibilities and response outlines for violations. For example: Disclosures of information or images (Jure, 2011) Give credit where credit is due and do not violate others’ rights; Respect copyright and be responsible for your work (Kroski, 2009 and Lauby 2009). Specifically state the behaviours considered negative and potentially harmful and indicate the proposed sanctions (Intel, 2010).
4. Use the College’s current policy frameworks to intentionally link to the social network policy (Fleet 2009 and SLQ 2010). For example, the College’s Code of Conduct, its ICT Policies, anti-harassment policies, the Copyright Act and the Privacy and Personal Information Act. This will increase its meaning, comprehensibility, acceptance and implementation success.
5. Encourage positive online behaviour and principles modeled by including enabling phrasing (not regulatory in tone), accountability, responsible postings, authenticity, community oriented, transparency, trust, integrity, fairness and reciprocity, and timeliness (Ryan, J 2007; Jure and Lauby, 2009).
References:
Burkhardt, A. (2010). Social media: A guide for college and university libraries. College & Research Libraries News, 71,(1), 10-24. Retrieved September 4, 2011 from
http://crln.acrl.org/content/71/1/10.full.pdf+html
Fleet, D., (2009), Social media policies. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from http://www.slideshare.net/davefleet/social-media-policies-ebook
Intel Corporation, (2010). Intel social media guidelines. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from http://www.intel.com/sites/sitewide/en_US/social-media.htm
Junco, R. (2011). The need for student social media policy. Educause Review, January/February, 60-61. Retrieved from Educause website: http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERM1118.pd
Jure, (2011, August 13) 12 Most Common Elements of Effective Social Media Policies. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from
http://jureklepic.com/2011/08/13/12-most-common-elements-of-effective-social-media-policies/
Kroski, E,. (2009), Should your library have a social media policy. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=articlePrint&articleID=CA6699104#What%20should%20a%20policy%20include?
Lauby, S., (2009), 10 must-haves for your social media policy. Retrieved May 22, 2010 from http://mashable.com/2009/06/02/social-media-policy-musts/
Rogers, C. R. (2009). Social media, libraries and web 2.0: How American libraries are using new tools for public relations and to attract new users – Second Survey November 2009. Retrieved October 4, 2011 from
http://www.statelibrary.sc.gov/docs/social_media_survey2009.pdf
Ryan, J., (2007), Principles for public sector social media (NZ). Retrieved September 26, 2011 from
http://psnetwork.org.nz/blog/2007/02/19/principles-public-sector-socialmedia/
Sprecht, M, (2009). Telstra’s social media policy. Retrieved September 29, 2011 from http://specht.com.au/michael/2009/04/21/telstras-social-media-policy/
State Library of Queensland, (2010), Social networking policy. Retrieved September 22, 2011 from http://www.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/167545/Social_Networking_Policy_v5.pdf
Van Grove, J., (2009), 3 great social media policies to steal from . Retrieved September 22, 2011 from http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/technology/article/3-great-social-media-policies-to-steal-from-jennifer-van-grove-1
