Public libraries in Illinois, as community institutions, are guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, equity, and access to information for all residents. A Societal Statement policy provides a framework for when and how the library will engage with and respond to public issues, ensuring its actions align with its core mission. Such a policy helps the library maintain its role as a trusted, neutral space while transparently communicating its values to the community.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and consistent framework for when and how the Glen Ellyn Public Library will communicate its position on significant societal issues. This policy ensures that societal statements are aligned with the library’s mission and core values and are issued transparently and consistently.
Guiding principles
A societal statement may be warranted when:
- The issue aligns directly with the library’s mission and values, and
- The event affects the community the library serves, and
- The library can respond authentically, constructively, and consistently, and
- The absence of a response would undermine trust, inclusion, or the perception of safety.
If the Executive Director believes that a societal statement is warranted, they may appoint an internal Review Team to draft the statement. All societal statements made by or on behalf of Glen Ellyn Public Library shall adhere to the following principles:
- Alignment with core values: Societal statements must directly relate to the library’s mission to provide equitable access to information and to protect intellectual freedom and the freedom to read.
- Objectivity and neutrality: As a public institution, the library does not take partisan political stances. The library’s focus is on the principles of access, freedom, and equity that underpin librarianship, not on specific political parties or candidates.
- Fact-based communication: All societal statements will be based on verifiable facts and established library principles, including the American Library Association (ALA) Library Bill of Rights and Code of Ethics, and Illinois Library Association (ILA) policies.
- Inclusivity: Societal statements should reflect the library’s commitment to serving all community members, regardless of their background, beliefs, or affiliations.
Scope
This policy applies to all societal statements issued by the library, including but not limited to societal statements made
- In official press releases
- On the library website
- In official social media posts from library-managed accounts
- In comments by the Board of Trustees or Executive Director acting in their official capacity
This policy does not apply to personal statements made by individual staff members or trustees, provided those individuals do not represent their personal views as official library positions.
Statement review and authorization
To ensure consistency and alignment with policy, the following process will be followed for issuing societal statements:
- Initial Review: Any potential societal statement will be reviewed by a designated internal Review Team, which may include the Executive Director, representatives from the Management Team, and the President of the Board of Trustees.
- Alignment assessment: The Review Team will assess how the issue relates to the library’s mission, collections, programs, or operations. The potential impact on community relations and staff will also be considered.
- Approval: Only the Executive Director or a majority of the Board of Trustees is authorized to approve and issue an official public societal statement.
- Post-publication review: The Executive Director will report on all public societal statements issued on behalf of the library at the next scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees or sooner.
Social media guidelines
Library-managed social media accounts are a tool for communicating official library information. User comments are moderated according to a separate Social Media Comment policy. The library will not use its official social media channels to endorse specific political stances but will use them to affirm library values and principles, such as intellectual freedom and equitable access.
Employee conduct and communication
Library employees are encouraged to be aware of how their online and offline presence may be perceived by the public. When expressing personal views on social issues, employees are expected to do so respectfully and to clarify that they are not speaking on behalf of the library. Employees should refer all media inquiries regarding societal issues to the Executive Director or their designated communication contact.
Policy review
This policy will be reviewed by the Board of Trustees every three years to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and in compliance with all relevant laws and professional guidelines.
