Library Twitter account returns after review

On Wednesday 21 September, the decision was taken to temporarily suspend the Fingal Libraries Twitter account in order for it to review activity on the account and whether the account had been hacked. After examining the account, no evidence was found of external unauthorised activity on the account, and it has now been re-activated.

As part of the process for getting the account back up and running as quickly as possible, we are currently taking steps to ensure that the account will be able to display a blue Verified badge in order to strengthen its authenticity.

Alongside this, the Libraries team will be undertaking a review on the policy and procedures for following other Twitter user accounts. While this review is taking place, we will be removing all accounts that we have previously followed. Once there is a policy adopted, we will then begin to rebuild in line with those guidelines. This will start in the coming days.

No comment will be made on the content, statements made, or positions held in the matter associated with the suspension of the account. Having been following protagonists on both sides of the matter we are satisfied that no one position has been supported.

All of our libraries are well-regarded public facilities that operate as open, inclusive, safe, apolitical and neutral democratic spaces where all citizens, regardless of their upbringing or views, are welcome. Similarly, Fingal County Council as a state body and an employer of choice vigorously supports diversity and inclusion.

Please be assured that the decision to temporarily suspend the Libraries Twitter account was not taken lightly, particularly as it provides a great deal of information on what is taking place across our network. We hope that as we move forward with the account, it will continue to receive positive support and interactions as it had done previously.