PLAspace is a tool where members of PLA virtually meet and mingle, discuss library-related topics and issues, share ideas, and collaborate in communities of practice (CoPs). The way you interact in PLAspace will shape the CoPs, and determine the success of your group(s), and result in an overall positive or negative experience for all participants. We ask that all participants understand and observe the following guidelines. These guidelines were developed to foster frank dialogue, mutual respect, and a sense of community among all PLA members participating in PLAspace.

Engage in a professional, congenial dialogue. Please realize that *thousands* of people may eventually see the messages you post on PLAspace. They may include individuals you know, patrons, coworkers, or someone you may employ or seek employment from in the future. Information posted impulsively or without regard for accuracy may come back to haunt you. Remember you are responsible and liable for the words you post on PLAspace.

Foster useful, dynamic discussions. We encourage frank and thoughtful dialogue. When posting, please keep your comments consistent with the subject and purpose of the conversation. Deliberate disruption -- such as consistent off-topic commentary -- will not be tolerated. Posts and/or entire conversations that are abusive or disruptive in nature will be removed. This is not the place for vulgar or explicit language. This is also not the place to sell products or services, or forward a personal agenda. Communicate with your peers on PLAspace the way you would with your coworkers.

Fashion a community that works for you. PLAspace gives participants endless opportunities to get involved… or to hang back and just take it all in. If you’re going to create a CoP, make sure you give it a meaningful name and mission statement, so others who are interested in your topic know that this is the group for them. Give your message posts accurate subject line descriptors. This will enable members to easily follow and find discussion threads that interest them. Help others find you by keeping your personal profiles updated. However, respect the privacy of others, as well as your own. "Lurking" is OK. Sometimes you will want to read what the community is doing before you jump into the discussion.

Play nice with others. Welcome new members as you would want to be welcomed. Make sure conversations are inclusive. Disturbance of the general peace and personal insults and attacks are inappropriate as well as using profanity or expressions of obscenity, sexism, racism, and other types of prejudice. We encourage spirited discussion and debate, but remember that disagreeing with an idea is different from attacking an individual.

Respect the role of CoP moderators. Help the moderator ensure that all are following the spirit of these guidelines. All members of PLAspace are responsible for doing their part to foster an open and inviting community. If you see inaccurate, off-topic, or disruptive posts, members should report it to the moderator.

PLA respects freedom of expression. PLA will not censor or edit messages and content contributed to the site, unless it violates the community guidelines or terms of use. Violation of the community guidelines, particularly in regards to the use profane or hateful language, selling a product or service, or disrespecting other members, is grounds for having PLAspace membership revoked.

Observe basic netiquette:

• Do not type in all caps. It reads like screaming. Use bold or italics to emphasize a word.
• Respect the privacy of others, as well as your own.
• Be yourself (i.e. don't pretend to be someone else online).
• Avoid unsolicited or repetitive attempts to communicate, especially should the receiver not respond, or request that you cease. In person, you might say excuse me, or some appropriate introduction before interrupting, or before speaking to a stranger. Consider doing the same for on-line, email, and conversations. Remember there are human beings with feelings who read your messages.
• Please be *very* cautious about using sarcasm and humor. Without nonverbal cues and voice tone, "subtle" humor can easily be interpreted as searing sarcasm.
• In the online environment without facial and verbal cues to convey emotions, words can be misread. Use your words, or emoticons, to convey emotion.
• You must have copyright rights to content you contribute to the site.