Week Three: Online Meeting Tools

This week I watch the Writing a Library Behavior Code webinar. The host was Mary Minow as library law consultant that works with libraries nationwide. She has been a librarian and a library trustee.

This webinar discusses keeping library policies constitutionally sound to prevent lawsuits. A library cannot infringe on an individual's right to visit the library, but the library can make reasonable rules of behavior. Noise rules are okay, if restricting the time, place and manner of speech but not the content, but it must be applied equally to all patrons/ users. Be careful with dealing with obnoxious speech. You can request the patron to not use profanity, but you cannot kick them out of the library. Better to focus on the sound level. The Library can limit number or size of a group, but it must be applied equally to all users. Basically, if you are regulating behavior equally for all users, an not free speech you should be okay. Be consistent. And be able to reasonable justification for the rule. Also, make sure your policies don't violate state law.

Overall, I think online meetings are a good idea to economize. However, I have trouble speaking up during these sessions. I don't know why, but I had just talking into a microphone--it feels like I'm talking into nothing! I think, though, it's a matter of getting used to the format. I know that sometimes the host gets frustrated with the lack of response from the members. When you're in a room with people you can judge their reactions to the material (are they interested, or bored?) but online, all the hosts have is the response of the members. When they don't respond, is that because they don't have questions, or they're apathetic to the subject. But I think as more people get used to this format of meeting, they will get used to responding.

In 10 years, perhaps 75% of all meetings will be online? I would like to see our staff meetings and possible board meetings online. It would save mileage and the staff could revisit the meeting and attend at their convenience. Also, these webinars would expand the educational potency of sessions. Interested parties no longer have to go at a certain time and place, but can learn at their convenience. The big question is... will people actually go to the meetings/webinars? Or just say that they did?