Slack

Internal Communications Guidelines

What is it?

An instant messaging platform. Typically used for brainstorming, collaboration, and informal communication.

Who is the audience?

The Libraries’ Slack “workplace” is available for all current Libraries employees. It is optional but highly encouraged, especially during this work from home period brought about by COVID-19.

How do I use it?

Slack is a great replacement for long chains of discussion-like emails for making decisions among small- to medium-sized groups, and that it is also useful as a channel for informal conversation and check in. It should not be used for documenting the results of decisions – that is best done on other platforms like Google Docs and Box. Also, recognize that not all employees will opt-in to the use of Slack, therefore announcements that have relevance for the entire UniLib community should be shared via the mailing list. Finally, Slack is not strong on privacy or security. Don’t put anything in Slack that you wouldn’t say in public.

Follow these directions to create your account. Visit the Slack Help Center for tips to get started.

When you activate your Slack account make sure to join two channels:

  • #unilib – announcements events and other information
  • #community – non-work banter and water cooler conversation

Other team and project specific channels are also available to join.

To sum up:

If you would like to share information with the UniLib community that does not meet the criteria for the UniLib mailing list, share it via Slack.