Show All Answers

1. What do I need to provide proof of residency?

Your driver's license is sufficient if it has your current address on it.  If not, then an additional document such as an utility bill, a piece of postmarked mail with your name on it, or a similar official document will be required in addition to your driver's license.

2. How old do I have to be to get a Library card?

You can get a Library card starting at age 4 years old.

3. Do I have to be a resident to get a Library Card?

No, under certain circumstances you may not have to be a resident to receive limited Library services.  There are a few options: 

• We participate in a reciprocal borrowing program with other counties touching Williamson County. This allows our citizens to utilize their libraries and vice versa.
• We offer free computer guest passes for 30 days then there is a fee for each additional month of use or one may choose to upgrade to a full Library account.
• We offer an e-Card for digital access for 2 months when patrons apply online for a library card. This allows our citizens to utilize our digital collections with an extension of time for visiting their local Williamson County Branch Library with their proof of residency (photo id and documents with their name and address).

Each library in Tennessee sets its own parameters for the reciprocal borrowing program and limits for sharing resources. Most are restricted by database licenses from offering access to their online resources.  Any materials borrowed from another library must be returned to that loaning library to avoid late fees and other fines.  We cannot check in non-Williamson County materials.

To learn more, contact the Circulation Department at 615-595-1277.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find information about Book Clubs?

Please visit our Book Groups webpage to learn about the meetings at the Main Library in Franklin and our Branches throughout Williamson County.

Show All Answers

1. Where are the computers for public use?

Computers are on the second floor in the Reference department.

2. Are the Library computers free to use?

Yes, all Library computers are free to use by Library account cardholders.  Computer access requires a Library card account in good standing.

Guest passes are available in the Circulation Department on the first floor.  They expire after 30 days and are renewable after 30 days for a small fee.

3. Are guest passes available for computer use?

Yes, computer guest passes are available on the first floor at the Circulation Department. You will be asked for a photo id like a driver's license.  Computer guest passes are free for 30 days then expire and can be updated for $5.00 per month.

4. Do you have any Macs?

No, we have no Apple computers.

5. Do you have printers?

Yes, we have a black and white, monochrome, printer, and printouts cost 10 cents per page.  We also have a color printer and printouts are $1.00 per page.  The vending machine used for payments is cash only, five dollar bills or smaller.

6. What is my PIN?

Your personal identification number aka PIN is the last four digits of your Library card number located just below the barcode on your Library card. 

7. How do I change my PIN?

To change your PIN, log in to your Library account on our website using the MY ACCOUNT button in the upper left corner of the photo of the Main Library. Once you are logged in, there is a menu of buttons on the left of your screen. Click CHANGE MY PASSWORD.  You can then change it to a minimum of 4 numerals.  

Library staff cannot tell you what your PIN or password is.  Once you change it, it is encrypted.  Library staff will revert it back to the last 4 digits of your Library card upon request. You can then change it yourself via your account options on the Library website.

8. How do I release a print job from the Library printers?

1. Scan or enter your Library card account number at the Print Release Station.
2. Select the print jobs to be printed.
3. Add the appropriate amount of cash funds to the vending machine, $5 or less.
4. Click Print.
5. Take your change from the vending machine.
6. Pick up your printouts from the printer.

9. Can I print from my phone or laptop?

Yes.  

How to print from a laptop or desktop computer:

• Begin by visiting https://www.printeron.net/wcpl/franklin
• Select the printer and enter your email address.
• Browse your computer to find and select the file you wish to print.
• Click the green printer icon. You will see the status of your print job.
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to print from tablet or smartphone app: 

• Visit your device’s ‘store’ for apps, install and launch the PrinterOn App.
• Click “No printer selected”.
• Click “Search”. Search for Williamson County Public Library or enter the library’s zip code. 
• Select your desired printer.
• To print:
  1. Documents: when viewing the document, click in the upper right corner and upload the document to the PrinterOn App.
  2. Photos from your phone: open the app, click on “photo” and select a photo to print.
  3. Select the printer and click the print icon.
  4. Enter an email address and click on the check mark (you will receive a notice that the job started, and shortly after another message stating “Job Success”).
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the Main Library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to use email to send something directly to Main Library print system: 

•  Email from any device directly to the library’s print system: 
  • franklin-bw@printspots.com
  • franklin-color@printspots.com
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

10. Do you have wireless / wifi printing?

Yes.  

How to print from a laptop or desktop computer:

• Begin by visiting https://www.printeron.net/wcpl/franklin
• Select the printer and enter your email address.
• Browse your computer to find and select the file you wish to print.
• Click the green printer icon. You will see the status of your print job.
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job by following the steps above.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to print from tablet or smartphone app: 

• Visit your device’s ‘store’ for apps, install and launch the PrinterOn App.
• Click “No printer selected”.
• Click “Search”. Search for Williamson County Public Library or enter the library’s zip code. 
• Select your desired printer.
• To print:
  1. Documents: when viewing the document, click in the upper right corner and upload the document to the PrinterOn App.
  2. Photos from your phone: open the app, click on “photo” and select a photo to print.
  3. Select the printer and click the print icon.
  4. Enter an email address and click on the check mark (you will receive a notice that the job started, and shortly after another message stating “Job Success”).
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the Main Library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job and follow the steps at the top.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to use email to send something directly to Main Library print system: 

•  Email from any device directly to the library’s print system: 
  • franklin-bw@printspots.com
  • franklin-color@printspots.com
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library then provide your email address to retrieve your print job and follow the steps at the top.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

11. How do I send a print job to the Main Library from home or work?

How to print from a laptop or desktop computer:

• Begin by visiting https://www.printeron.net/wcpl/franklin
• Select the printer and enter your email address.
• Browse your computer to find and select the file you wish to print.
• Click the green printer icon. You will see the status of your print job.
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job by following the steps above.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to print from tablet or smartphone app: 

• Visit your device’s ‘store’ for apps, install and launch the PrinterOn App.
• Click “No printer selected”.
• Click “Search”. Search for Williamson County Public Library or enter the library’s zip code. 
• Select your desired printer.
• To print:
  1. Documents: when viewing the document, click in the upper right corner and upload the document to the PrinterOn App.
  2. Photos from your phone: open the app, click on “photo” and select a photo to print.
  3. Select the printer and click the print icon.
  4. Enter an email address and click on the check mark (you will receive a notice that the job started, and shortly after another message stating “Job Success”).
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the Main Library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

How to use email to send something directly to Main Library print system: 

•  Email from any device directly to the library’s print system: 
  • franklin-bw@printspots.com
  • franklin-color@printspots.com
• Proceed to the Print Release Terminal in the library and provide your email address to retrieve your print job.
• Black and white prints are ten cents per page and color prints are one dollar per page. The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only and takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

 

12. How much does it cost to print at the Library?

Black and white prints are ten cents per page.

Color prints are one dollar per page. 

The vending machine used for taking payments is cash only. It takes five-dollar bills, one-dollar bills, and silver coins.

Show All Answers

1. Why am I unable to download OverDrive audiobooks with my Mac?

Effective September 4, 2019, OverDrive ended the ability to download audiobooks to Mac computers. The previous software OverDrive for Mac is no longer be available for download.  Mac users cannot view the option to download audiobooks from the OverDrive website. Mac users will see the option to stream audiobook titles in their web browser.  Learn more.

If downloading audio to your Mac is your preference, try our audiobook collection RBdigital, which allows you to download via the RBdigital Media Manager for Mac. Downloaded titles may be listened to on your Mac or transferred to an MP3 player. Learn more about RBdigital.

UPDATE 9.30.2019: Overdrive apologizes and is working to fix it! https://company.overdrive.com/2019/09/25/important-update-on-the-overdrive-desktop-app-for-mac/

2. How many items may be borrowed via Hoopla?

Five (5) Flex and five (5) Instant items may be borrowed from Hoopla per library card account per month.  Flex items may be returned (checked in) and exchanged for a different time borrowed during the month. Flex items operate more like regular library item borrowing and holds may be placed on them.  

Occasionally our allotment of Instant items to be loaned for the day is met and this may result in a delay. Please request your item(s the next morning.

3. How do I set READS to the Kids and Teens interface?

There are two interfaces in the Overdrive READS via a PC - click on Kids or Teens to switch to either of them. Each interface displays the titles marked as appropriate for the age groups by the books’ publishers.  The option to return to the Main Collection is in the upper left corner.

In the OverDrive app, look for the menu button with 3 horizontal lines (or hamburger in the near the books icon for your shelf on the right) and tap on that. Then tap on Kids or Teens. The option to return to the Main Collection is the first option back in the menu button (hamburger).

Once you visit the Kids or Teens portal, your device will remember your preference, until you clear the cache in your browser or click to return to the Main Collection. T

For Libby, use the audience filters to limit the types of content seen while browsing and searching your library’s digital collection: 

1. Tap Preferences in the very first blue bar on the left, opposite the Explore option.
2. Under Audience, select the type of content you want to be seen. You can choose one or more of these filters:
   • Juvenile: Fiction and nonfiction titles for children.
   • Young adult: Fiction and nonfiction titles for young adults (teens).
   • General adult: General fiction and nonfiction.
   • Mature adult: Fiction and nonfiction for readers over the age of 18 (for example, erotic literature).

4. Why does it say the limit has been reached on Hoopla?

The Library has a monthly budget for Hoopla.  It has been divided up to a set amount per day by Hoopla.  When the daily amount is reached, no matter the time of day, it doesn't reset or restart until 12:01 am the next day.  This may limit patrons even if they haven't reached their allotment of borrows for the month.

5. What is my PIN for READS?

It is the last four digits of your library card number. 

You can call any Branch or the Main Library and staff will reset it if you are having issues with logging into your account.

6. What is hoopla Flex and hoopla Instant?

With hoopla Flex—signified by revolving arrows—you can borrow titles marked Available or place a hold with just a click for a title marked Wait List. hoopla will notify you when it becomes available. You now have five hoopla Flex borrows to use at any given time. If you ever run out of hoopla Flex borrows, simply return one Flex title and select a new one.  Items available for hoopla Flex borrowing have an icon with two arrows in a circle or loop in the top left.

hoopla Instant offers audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, music, television, and more—all in the same app. hoopla Instant titles—identified by a lightning bolt—are always available to immediately stream or download with no wait. You can use five hoopla Instant borrows each month.  These items have an icon with a lightning bolt in the upper left. 

Show All Answers

1. What are the late fees for Library items?

Regular loan books are $.20 per day up to $5.00 limit per item, unless the book is lost or damaged.

DVD and Blue Ray disks-$0.50 per day up to a $10.00 limit per item, unless the videos and DVDs are lost or damaged.

 Audiobooks in all formats, and software- $.20 per day up to a $5.00 limit per item, unless a CD or MP3 disk is lost or damaged.

Hotspots, Readers, and Launch Pads - -$1.00 per day up to a $10.00 limit per item, unless the device is lost or damaged.

 Material replacement cost by additional item :

1. CD storage cases (DVD and MP3) - $1.00 per item.
2. DVD security cases - $1.50 per item
3. DVD security case clip - $.50 per item.
4. VHS storage cases - $1.00 per item
5. Audio book CD and cassette cases - $4.50 per item
6. Juvenile audio cassette bags - $4.00 per item
7. Audio book CDs, if replaceable - $10.00 per cd
8. Item Barcodes - $.50 per.
9. TLC Patron Barcode - $.50 (WCPL’s barcode on another library’s card)
10. DVD / VHS case artwork - $1.50 per item

2. How can I tell when my library materials are due?

All patrons receive a printed due date slip at the time of Checkout. 

Due dates are also visible online at the library website by logging into the user account via the My Library Account feature. 

Library patrons may also opt in to receive email and text messaging courtesy notices.

The library provides a 24-hour grace period from the due date for all items.

3. How much is it to replace a damaged item?

Borrowers are responsible for paying the replacement cost of damaged or lost materials. If the retail price of an item is more or less than the automatically assessed fine, circulation staff may adjust the replacement cost lower or higher as appropriate for the Library's replacement cost. A processing fee of $5.00 is assessed per Library item. A receipt will be issued to the borrower at the time the Library receives full payment for all amounts owed.

4. What happens when items are overdue?

Materials not been returned by the due date are considered overdue. Patrons are sent two notices on overdue materials. The final notice will be a bill for the replacement cost.  All library privileges are suspended when the final notice is sent to a patron.  This prohibits borrowing materials or using library services. 

Books must be returned and the full balance of the fines paid OR the replacement price for the items must be paid to reinstate library privileges.

5. If I find my lost Library item after having paid for it, can I get a refund?

Payments made for a lost item for are not refundable under any circumstances.  The item is yours to keep.

6. Can I bring in a copy of the same item instead of paying the replacement charges?

The library reserves the right to accept or not accept replacement materials with the same title and ISBN, plus a $5.00 processing fee. 

Book Club editions will not be accepted. 

New paperback replacements for required reading titles may be accepted regardless of publisher or year of publication. 

If the ISBN number does not match Branch Heads, Main Circulation Supervisor, or Main library management reserve the right to accept or not accept the item.

7. Can I make partial payments?

Payment for lost or damaged items must be paid in full. Partial payment will not be accepted for lost or damaged items.

8. What do you mean by loss of Library services if I don't pay my fines?

Patrons with any outstanding balances on their library card account over the amount of $3.00 will be blocked from checking out additional materials, from using the Library computers, and from accessing any online Library services.

9. Do you charge fines for days that the Library is closed?

Fines are charged only for the days the owning library is open.

Show All Answers

1. How do I subscribe to the Library Emails?

Visit our Newsletter Registration webpage and fill out the form.

Click on the link to confirm your email subscription in the confirmation email that will come to your inbox. If you do not receive a confirmation email, contact us at reference.library@williamsoncounty-tn.gov or call us at 615-595-1243 extension 1 and ask for the Adult Services Manager.

Once you have confirmed that you want the newsletter, you will receive our weekly events at the Main Library, special invitations to unique events usually requiring a registration, plus Library news and announcements.  The subscription can be canceled at any time.  The Library typically sends 1-5 emails a week depending on the activity level at the Main Library.  Branch Libraries news is monthly with occasional announcements and invitations.

2. Where can I find Library news?

We have several outlets.  Articles and events are submitted to our local papers including the Tennessean, Williamson Herald and Williamson Source. We have a Facebook page and Twitter account for @wcpltn.  We send out email news and newsletters.  Library news is also promoted on our WC-TV show, Not Just Books which is available on Youtube. Fliers and handouts are frequently available at the Information Desk on the first floor.  Calendars and brochures are available at the Reference Desk , Teen Desk, and Children's Desk, respectively, for program and news for specific age groups.  Events are also posted on this website in the calendars.

Show All Answers

1. What is my PIN?

Your default personal identification number (PIN) is the last four digits of your Library card number located just below the barcode on your Library card.  Once you have logged in, we recommend changing it to a number known only to you.  

Forget what your pin is? Contact us at 615-595-1277 and we will reset it for you.

2. How do I change my PIN?

To change your PIN, log in to your Library account on our website using the MY ACCOUNT button in the upper left corner of the photo of the Main Library. Once you are logged in, there is a menu of buttons on the left of your screen. Click CHANGE MY PASSWORD.  You can then change it to a minimum of 4 numerals.  

Library staff cannot tell you what your PIN or password is.  Once you change it, your PIN is encrypted.  Library staff will revert it back to the last 4 digits of your Library card upon request. You can then change it yourself via your account options on the Library website.

3. I would like for the Library to get a movie, book, etcetera. How do I make a suggestion?

Only Library patrons may suggest titles for the Library collection. Please click the blue My Library Account button on the home page and log in to your Library account. There are a series of buttons on the left of your account page.  Click the Your Purchase Suggestions button (third from the bottom) and there you will find an option for making a New purchase suggestion.

4. How do I renew and update my Library account?

Call our Circulation Department at 615-595-1277 and press 1.  You will be asked to verify your personal information then you will be able to continue with your access to our Library’s online services such as Hoopla and READS. 

        

5. How much can I borrow on my library account?

You can borrow 40 items per card within the following limits: 

• 10 books per subject 
• 10 audio (cds & mp3s combined) 
• 10 dvds for two weeks checkout with .50 per day per DVD late fee 
• multi-disc dvd sets with 4 or more discs have a 3 week checkout

6. How many movies can I borrow on my library account?

You can borrow 10 DVDs for two week.  DVDS .50 per day per DVD late fee.

Multi-disc DVD sets with 4 or more discs have a 3-week checkout and the same per day per title late fee. If any disc in the set is damaged, a replacement cost for the entire set may be assessed on your account if individual disc replacements are not available to us.

7. How many audiobooks may I borrow on my library account?

Library patrons may borrow 10 audio (cds & mp3s combined) 

8. How many books can I borrow on my library account.

Library patrons can borrow 40 books with a 10 book limit per subject.

Show All Answers

1. How can I find accessible materials from the State Library?

The Tennessee State Library and Archives also houses the Library for Accessible Books and Media.  Their website is: Library for Accessible Books and Media | Tennessee Secretary of State (tn.gov). 

There is an application and a Librarian can sign the form as a certifying authority if you are unable to have it certified by another "competent authority" in the eyes of the Library of Congress: "In cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical limitations, “competent authority” includes doctors of medicine; doctors of osteopathy; ophthalmologists; optometrists; registered nurses; therapists; and professional staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or private welfare agencies (e.g., social workers, case workers, counselors, rehabilitation teachers, and superintendents).  ). In the absence of any of these, certification may be made by professional librarians or by any person whose competence under specific circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress."

2. What's the number for the City of Brentwood Library?

615-371-0090

3. What's the number for the Spring Hill Public Library?

931-486-2932

4. Can I get a City of Brentwood Library card?

Residents of the City of Brentwood are eligible for free library cards from BPL. Residents outside of the city limits must pay for access. Please contact BPL for more information.

5. Can I get a Spring Hill Public Library card?

The City of Spring Hill crosses the Williamson and Maury County lines. They offer free cards to Williamson County residents.  Please contact SHPL to learn more.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find Library programming online?

Library programming can be found on the WC-TV youtube channel.  Program recordings includes story times, special performers and guest speakers. 

Storytimes can also be found live on Facebook during the week. For the latest schedule, visit our Children’s Department webpage.

2. When is Story Time?

For the latest story time schedule, visit the Children’s Department webpage or call the staff at 615-595-1244 extension 1.

3. How can I find out about the Summer Reading Program?

Summer Reading Programs are offered annually for a range of age groups including adults, teens, and children.  Programs are added to our calendar and there will be an announcement in the News section of our home page.  

Call the Children's Department at 615-595-1244 to learn more about the children's and teen summer reading programs. 

Call the Reference Department at 615-595-1243 for information about the adult summer reading program.

4. Where is the calendar of events?

The calendar is towards the bottom of our home page.  Click here to go to the calendar.  

Show All Answers

1. What services does the Library offer for authors?

The Library has two free publishing options on our website.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find a list of the new items in the library?

We have new item lists on the catalog homepage towards the bottom right corner. 

2. Where can I find a list of the new dvds for tv shows and movies in the library?

A list of new DVDs,  including tv shows, documentaries, and movies, can be found here.

Show All Answers

1. When is the Library open?

Please visit our Branches and Hours page to find the hours of operation for the Library you wish to visit.

2. How do I request something from another library?

Items from other libraries may be requested via Inter-Library Loan.  Items must be a year old, from the month of publication, to be requested.  Only WCPLS members, with accounts in good standing, requests will be processed.

You may place a request via the online Inter-Library Loan form.  

There is a 2 weeks minimum for request processing and item transit. 

Items cannot be requested from specific libraries.  

Other libraries have their own rules for lending outside their community as well as the management of their property.  Those rules take priority when WCPLS borrows from them.    

3. How do I request something from another Branch?

The Williamson County Public Library System (WCPLS) consists of five branches with one in Bethesda, College Grove, Fairview, Leiper's Fork, and Nolensville.  Items may be requested from them by placing them on hold with your library card when you find them in the catalog.  You can also call the Main Library or your closest Branch Library and staff will place the item hold on your account.

The John P. Holt City of Brentwood Library and the City of Spring Hill Library are not part of the WCPLS and we cannot place holds on their materials. 

For libraries outside of the WCPLS, we offer inter-library loan (ILL) services which can be requested online or with staff at any of our Branches and Main Library. This process takes a minimum of two weeks and sometimes longer.  Items may be on loan at the lending library, undergoing repair, etcetera.

4. What happens if I don't pick up my hold(s)?

Items on hold are held for five (5) days and then have to be moved on to the next person waiting for the item.  If no one is waiting for the item, it will be reshelved and made available for checking out by other patrons.

Call 615-595-1277 if you are having issues getting to the library with your holds. 

There is an option to suspend holds when traveling or due to other circumstances in which it may become available but you are unable to get it.  Log into your library account online and access your holds to exercise this option.

5. Study Rooms?

The Main Library and Branches do not have study rooms. 

Meeting Rooms are available at the Main Library plus the Fairview and Nolensville Branches.

The Main Library has three (3) meeting rooms. The Williamson Room is available for meetings of eight (8) persons or less. It is available on a first-come basis. The Learning Center is available for meetings of eighteen (18) or fewer. Reservations are required two weeks in advance. The Meeting Room is available for meetings of 10 or more persons. Reservations are required.

6. How do I suggest a question for the FAQ?

Please use our Ask-A-Librarian service. It will go to the Reference Department for consideration.  Thank you for helping improve our website.

Show All Answers

1. Where can I find the Library on Social Media?

The Main Library can be found on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Wordpress @wcpltn.  The Children’s Department and Special Collections Departments have their own Facebook pages.  Each Branch has a Facebook page and a few have Twitter accounts.  The Teen Department at the Main Library has an Instagram account.

2. What is the Library's Social Media Policy?

III. SERVICES

Q. Social Media (Patrons)

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE

 SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines concerning the establishment and use by citizens of social media websites, the appropriate, acceptable use of personal social media and social networking sites, and addresses the use of social media and social networking sites maintained by or on behalf of the Library.

DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions and examples apply. As new technologies emerge or existing technologies change, this policy applies to all contemporary technologies generally accepted in these categories beyond the presented examples or devices.

Social Media: A variety of online sources that allow people to communicate, share information, share photos, share videos, share audio, and exchange text and other multimedia files with others via some form of online mobility platform. 

Social Networking: Using such internet or mobile formats as FaceBook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn, Foursquare, Police Pulse, The Squad Room, Usenet groups, online forums, message boards or bulletin boards, blogs, and other similarly developed formats to communicate with others and/or network with other users based upon similar interests, geographical locations, skills, occupations, ideologies, beliefs, etc. 

Blog: A series of entries written by either one person or a group of people in an online journal, usually posted in chronological order, like a diary. Blogs allow comments on entries or not. WordPress, Blogger, and Typepad are examples. 

Forum: An online discussion site.

Establishing Social Websites

The Library may operate a social media website as a way to achieve the Library’s mission.   The Library’s social media tools provide a limited (or designated) Forum which enables the Library staff to facilitate information about department-related topics, events, programs, and issues.  By using social media webpages, it is the Library’s intent to create an online space where designated staff may provide useful and educational information to the community. 

 

3-17                                                                                                       SOCIAL MEDIA (Patrons)

Policy approved by the WCPL Board of Trustees, 5/19/2022

The Library’s social media websites are public forums maintained by or on behalf of the Williamson County Library as a tool for communicating with the public and are limited to the discussion of matters related to the Library, County, and the services it provides.   

Rules for Commenting  

While using social media, designated staff shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, to respect the views and opinions of others, and to demonstrate respect for the Library, its employees, patrons, officers, invitees and board members.

All individuals posting comments on a Library social network website must respect trademarks, copyrights, intellectual property, and proprietary information.   No third-party content should be published without prior permission of the owner of the material.

The Library Director or the Director’s appointee maintains the right to monitor all activity on the Library’s social network websites.  

Comment Moderation.  Individuals shall not post comments or items that are off-topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening, or an invasion of privacy.  

Posts containing the following are against Library policies and shall be deleted or removed by the Director or designated Account Administration without notice:

• Obscene or racist content 
• Personal attacks, insults, or threatening language 
• Potentially libelous statements 
• Plagiarized material 
• Private, personal information published with or without consent 
• Comments totally unrelated to the content of the Forum 
• Hyperlinks to material that is not directly related to the discussion 
• Commercial promotions or spam
•  Organized political activity

 All Library social media websites must contain the following statement:    

 The purpose of this site is to serve as a mechanism for communication between the Williamson County Library and the public. All postings are subject to review and deletion by Williamson County.  The following content is not allowed and shall be immediately removed and may subject the poster to expulsion from all Williamson County social media sites:

3-17                                                                                               SOCIAL MEDIA (Patrons), p. 2

Policy approved by the WCPL Board of Trustees, 5/19/2022

• Comments in support of or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures;
• Profane, obscene, violent, or pornographic content or language;
• Content that attacks a person or group on the basis of attributes including race, ethnic origin, national origin, skin color, gender (including status as pregnant or nursing), religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation, indicating a level of intolerance or hostility that is incompatible with a commitment to serve all members of the community;
• Sexual content or links to sexual content;
• Solicitations of commerce;
• Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity;
• Comments not related to the original topic, including random or unintelligible comments;
• Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems; or
• Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party.

Generally, Library social media sites are subject to the Tennessee Open Records Act. Any content maintained in a Social Media format that is related to Library or Williamson County business or other public matters, including a list of subscribers, posted communications, attachments, and communication submitted for posting, may be public record subject to public disclosure under T.C.A. § 10-7-503. Do not submit anything you do not wish to be broadcast to the general public. Unless removed for violation of this policy, posts will be maintained on the social media sites in accordance with the Tennessee Open Records Act where applicable. It is not the intent of Williamson County to edit or censor submissions made by any individual. However, posts that violate the Library's Social Media Policy should not be used and may be removed from the social media sites.

 

3-17                                                                                               SOCIAL MEDIA (Patrons), p. 3

Policy approved by the WCPL Board of Trustees, 5/19/2022