Infozo: Moron Librarian reaction to my first post on forums, blogs and libraries

Infozo: Moron Librarian reaction to my first post on forums, blogs and libraries.

I made some comments there, but the chief one I'd like to repeat is that if the library allows the public to post on its blog, and then edits out some comments, depending on other indicators of publisher status, perhaps a court would use publisher liability instead of forum analysis. This would allow a library to make selections and edits, but also opens up the library to liability if there's defamation, copyright infringement etc. I see that at least one library has a "book club" blog .. and perhaps that's the legal analysis that would be used there. I'd highly recommend a library that chooses that route to brush up on publisher liability (you can get books on this at the library) and better yet talk to a lawyer before going full force. Many libraries have always published newsletters, but the visibility by potential plaintiffs is on such a different scale when something's online.

Comments

[Suzy]

I want to know if any library had been held liable for a comment from a non-library staff member. We have a blog that only three of our staff members can post to, but anyone can comment on a post. We are getting some flack from the higher ups that we might be in a position to be held liable for posted comments even if we are not the ones to have posted them. Any input from out there?

[Mary]

take a look at http://internetcases.blogspot.com/2005/02/webmaster-not-publisher-of-defamatory.html

[jonas]

I am in the process of developing a library book blog to which the public (registration required) will be able to post. First of all I am discouraged that the registration process and computer skills required to get started will turn most of the public away, and second of all I am trying to put together a Posting Policy to prevent us from being held potentially liable. Our library does not filter internet access but simply states that viewing sexually explicit material is grounds for loss of internet privaleges. Does anyone know of a model Blog Posting Policy?