Internet technology has made it possible for people all around the world to communicate with each other in meaningful ways, whether for research, education, business or enjoyment through email. We have all experienced dramatic changes in the ways we work and live that could not have been predicted a decade ago.

Now with concerns ranging from privacy, security and freedom of speech, to honesty and confidentiality it is more important than ever to understand and observe general guidelines of netiquette. Netiquette, or network etiquette, is the contemporary term for the proper way we communicate and interact with each other using email over the Internet.

Even with the best of intentions, misunderstandings are likely to occur in almost any type of communication. Nevertheless, it is possible to repair glitches in a face-to-face dialog or even a telephone conversation before any lasting damage occurs.

In a face-to-face situation or telephone conversation you are able to change your tone of voice, to rephrase comments and to present body language that welcomes further communication and thus promotes understanding. Email messages do not offer you the benefit of these signals.

The following guidelines for email etiquette will help staff members:

to convey a professional image within and outside the Library

to communicate what is intended and avoid misunderstanding