Publishing Photos Taken At The Library

Publishing Photos Taken At The Library

One of the fun things about library events and programs, such as the Summer Reading Program, is taking pictures of the participants having a great time and sharing that with others -- perhaps on a bulletin board within the library, or posted out on the library's website.

But, in doing so, there are Rights of Publicity and Privacy to consider; for example, did you know that it is a violation of the right of publicity to use photographs from library programs in order to market or advertise the library or to call attention to future programming? An excellent article in Information Today, "Laws for Using Photos You Take at Your Library," by Bryan Carson covers this and many more points to think about when using children's photographs.

Considerations include:

• Ask for parental permission before using images of children, whether on the library’s website or elsewhere. A parental consent form is one way of achieving this.
• Avoid using the first name and last name of individuals in a photograph. This reduces the risk of inappropriate, unsolicited attention from people outside the library. An easy rule to remember is if a child is named, avoid using his or her photograph; if a photograph is used, avoid naming the child.
• Consider using group photos rather than photos of individual children.
• Ensure that the image file is appropriately named – do not use children's names in image file names or ALT tags if published on the web.
• Ensure that images are appropriately stored and secured on the library’s network.
• Only use images of pupils in suitable dress to reduce the risk of inappropriate use.

Some websites to visit for additional information:

Protecting Student Privacy

Use of Photographs in Publicity Materials

Orientation for New Board Members

Whether a library is starting its first board or adding a new member, it's very important for the library director and current board president to give new board members an orientation to the library and the board before their first meeting. The orientation should include a tour, invitation to library programs, a library card if the member doesn't have one already, an introduction to available staff, and thank you for volunteering on the library's behalf. This is also a good time for the director and board president to stress the importance of all board members' committment to the board and library.

Each new board member should also receive a packet of information including:

• list of board member names, contact info, and term expiration
• board bylaws
• board meeting calendar
• list of board responsibilities and desirable characteristics for board members
• the most recent board minutes, financial statements, librarian's report and other associated documents
• Association for Library Trustees and Advocates (ALTA) brochure/link to website
• history of the library
• library staff positions, names, and contact info
• copy of library's mission statement
• library hours
• funding sources--State Aid, grants, Friends group
• previous year's usage statistics
• library policies and plans
• library program calendar and most recent newsletter
• Friends of the Library brochure
• state and national library laws
• conversation starters for promoting the library
• Library Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement
• New Mexico Library Association (NMLA) brochure/link to website
• Link to New Mexico State Library website
• the information in this Library Board Fundamentals section

Next: Library Board Essentials & Additional Resources ►

Advocacy for Your Library

Library staff are encouraged to use the briefing papers, found in the links below, as educational tools with community stakeholders, including elected officials, funders and program partners, as needed to raise awareness of the specific – and sometimes unique – concerns of libraries around technology deployment.

Job-Seeking in US Public Libraries

Using data from the Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study, this document discusses the range of library resources available to job seekers and the challenges to maintaining these services

Supporting Learners in Public Libraries

The public library is a key agency in supporting the educational and learning needs of every person in the community. Libraries offer vital resources for early literacy development, homework help, homeschool families, continuing education and lifelong avocations.

"Supporting Learners in U.S. Public Libraries" outlines many of the technology resources public libraries provide learners of all ages, challenges libraries face in meeting growing demand, and describes how sustained funding enables public libraries to offer increased assistance and services to their communities.

Internet Connectivity in U.S. Public Libraries

Today’s public libraries are thriving technology hubs that millions rely on for Internet access. In addition to providing free access to computers and the Internet, the majority of public libraries offer Wi-fi access, digital reference and downloadable media. As online services and programs become more sophisticated, the need for higher Internet access speeds for libraries grows.

"Internet Connectivity in U.S. Public Libraries" describes the varied opportunities and obstacles facing libraries in acquiring and providing high-speed Internet access in rural, suburban and urban libraries.

Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study

This study gathers a wide range of data related to computer and Internet access in U.S. public libraries – including the number of computers, barriers to high-speed Internet access, Internet services and trainings available, and funding for technology.

Also see:

Small but Powerful Guide to Winning Big Support for Your Rural Library

ALA's Advocacy University

Library Board Essentials & Additional Resources

Library Board Essentials

• Library boards believe in the importance of the library and in its role in the community.
• Library boards use their influence to assist the library in obtaining desired financial support by representing the library point of view to city or county councils or commissions, the legislature and the media.
• Library boards should be representative of the community they serve.
• Library boards in New Mexico generally act in an advisory capacity to the city or county which establishes policies; although some boards may be the policy making agent for the library.
• Library boards want to ensure that the library is well managed, but they should not interfere with the duties of the library director.
• Library boards represent the library to the community and the community to the library.
• Library boards are charged with representing the whole community to the library, not just a particular area or interest group.
• Library boards try to ensure that the library is well maintained, financially secure, growing, and operating in the best interests of the community.

Additional Resources

• Effective Library Board Members
• Resources for Library Board Members
• Library Board Member Self Assessment
• Trustee Trouble: The Misadventures of a New Library Board Member (outside link with videos and helpful tips)