Janas 1

Part of our responsibility as library professionals is continuously arguing for the librarys
relevance in the digital age. More often, library professionals and the library advocacy network
are needed to help convince the public that libraries have evolved and are more relevant than
ever. Rather than just being repositories for physical books, libraries have become important
meeting places for community events. They are public spaces available to students, professional
associations, legislators, seniors, and the business community. Gone are the days where the
library was used as a building for research and to borrow printed books. It is now a hub for
community activity for everyone of all ages and on all walks of life. Does the internet make
library research obsolete? Why do we need a library building when everything can be found
online? Questions such as these can be challenging for anyone going into the library and
information field. However, with some training and preparation from associations such as the
American Library Association (ALA), one is able to boldly speak out and successfully defend
libraries.
Many facets surround library advocacy today starting with whom to consider as a library
advocate and building the network. Then, there is the preparation for action. Library
professionals should consider proper organization and provide a clear message. When it comes
time to speak out, one needs to consider how to be an effective presenter. Take advantage of the
library story, recognize specific audience needs, and stay in control when tough questions arise.
Dealing with the media is another challenge for library advocates. Often, libraries will have a
prepared plan for when the media requests a statement. There should be a pre-selected member
to deal with the media, as well as an understanding of what to say and when. Working with
public officials such as legislators is another important facet to consider for library advocacy.

Janas 2

Maintaining a positive relationship with federal, state, and local lawmakers is somewhat
essential in their continued support. Heather Gruenthal stresses the significance of National
Library Legislative Day and speaking to legislators in her article, A School Library Advocacy
Alphabet.1 Sometimes it can be daunting to speak out for libraries with such an influential
audience. However, as a library advocate, one is never just a single voice. Advocates are part of a
larger army with millions of supporters worldwide.
Library advocates are those who wish to support the library as a continued free and
public service for community needs. Those who recognize the institutions relevance understand
it as more than a book repository. Some may simply have fond childhood memories of the library
though they no longer use it. Regardless, library advocates believe the library is essential to the
future of an information literate world. Libraries can change lives. Across the world, they make
resources available such as books and computers to millions of children, students and adults.
They offer programs and information to those going through monumental life stages such as
finding a job, planning a wedding, having a baby, or planning retirement.
It has always been an institution which supports widespread literacy. Many learn to read
in school, but there are others who use the librarys story-time and summer reading programs to
supplement learning. In addition to reading, the library also offers opportunities for the public to
become comfortable with electronic technologies. As these items are available to the public for
free, it creates new opportunities for lifelong learning that may not have been available
otherwise. By having an open space to learn new technologies, users are able to research more

Heather Gruenthal, A School Library Advocacy Alphabet, Young Adult Library Services 11,
no. 1 (Fall 2012): 1318.
1

Janas 3

efficiently, share information, and discover new interests. As a convenient and welcoming
location, families often find the library to be a place to strengthen bonds. With its many
recreational and educational resources, the library is a tool families can use for entertainment,
growth, and instruction. Scores of household projects await to be discovered and plenty of values
are ready to be learned.
Regardless of age, education level, ability, income, health status, race, gender, sex, or
creed, the librarys resources are available to all. As such, libraries impact the community by
providing information equally, which may not have been possible otherwise. In this way, they
bring communities together. Those with special needs, seniors, immigrants, etc. can reach the
same information as the rest of the district. Not only do libraries build person-to-person contact,
but electronic contact as well. Many institutions have an online presence through social media,
which allows people from all over the world to follow library events through Facebook, Tumblr,
blogs, and Twitter. Instant messaging on a librarys website provides support for those unable to
attend physically and promotes an electronic community. Rachel Besara argues for libraries to
also include smartphone apps in their advocacy efforts.2 For example, libraries can promote an
image-sharing app for users to share their success stories. Additionally, the various support
systems, such as bookmobiles, create more opportunities for seniors, and those with special
needs.
These listed affirmations illustrate that libraries protect the First Amendment. An
informed public is a better public, and the library fights to protect our right to seek information

Rachel Besara, Using Mobile Tools for Advocacy, Reference Librarian 53, no. 3 (July 2012):
297303, doi:10.1080/02763877.2012.678789.
2

Janas 4

without scrutiny. Nicole P. Dyszlewski argues in the short article, Reflecting on Advocacy that
the fairness a library provides may be its trump card. As stated, Providing information free of
bias is our greatest strength, and it can be our most powerful advocacy tool, as well.3 It also
supports the creators of works regardless of popular opinion. Even if there is only one aspect to a
work that deems valuable to a user, that work is welcome in the library. It is a location that offers
valuable information and provides helpful service to those who ask. As a community space to
hold meetings, provide programs, and showcase collections, the library is the perfect place to
protect cultural heritage. Given these stated declarations, it is easy to see how many people can
be library advocates even though they may not realize it. It is important to remind all types of
people why the library is significant today. According to ALA, library advocates include library
trustees, Friends of the library, users, institutional and community leaders, library staff, library
and information students, and other various untapped advocates who may only have a fond
perception of the library.4
The question is how to successfully build a library advocacy network now that we
understand potentially who is an advocate and why. Recruitment is something that should be
continuous with various approaches in order to reach all types of audiences. According to the
proposal at hand, there should also be an understood, clear message for advocates. Typically,
there is no need for formal meetings with library advocates on the message, but consistent
communication is key. In Library Philosophy & Practices article, Awareness and Use of

3 Nicole P. Dyszlewski, Reflecting on Advocacy, AALL Spectrum 18, no. 2 (November 2013):

67.
4 Library Advocates Handbook, accessed April 17, 2014,

http://www.ala.org/offices/ola/libraryadvocateshandbook.

Janas 5

Lobbying and Advocacy as Strategic Approach for Improving Library and Information Services
in Imo State, Nigeria, M. Mlanga actually defines advocacy as a sustained effort by librarians
and lobbying associations to keep libraries and the work they do in the minds of the people who
make decisions that affect libraries.5 To hinder any confusion during the campaign, directors
should appoint an advocacy coordinator to communicate with various groups such as Friends,
library staff, board members and administration. Communication is essential during every stage
of a campaign to ensure message consistency and to avoid repeated efforts. Furthermore,
advocates should receive training in how to best announce the librarys message. One should be
sure to review with what organizations library supporters affiliate themselves. If anyone is
networking with professional or political organizations, request help from them in any way. After
the various names and organizations have been understood as library stakeholders, one should
create a directory or database of them all. Always update the database and include information on
the names of the elected officials of those listed. Be sure to include the names on the library
newsletter mailing list. Not only do we want these organizations and individuals updated on
library events, but also on any updates on funding and regulations. Rather than merely keeping a
mailing list, it would be most efficient to keep a telephone directory and an e-mail listing.
Library staff can help build a library network in diverse ways. Staying positive about
changes in the library usually draws attention and invites others to inquire on whats new in the
library scene. Jenna Nemec-Louise lists modeling positivity as an advocacy task itself in her

Emmanuel Uwazie Anyanwu, Charlie Obichere, and Oyemike Victor Ossai-Onah, Awareness
and Use of Lobbying and Advocacy as Strategic Approach for Improving Library and
Information Services in Imo State, Nigeria, Library Philosophy & Practice, June 2013, 116.
5

Janas 6

article, Everyday Advocacy.6 As stated, Model your enthusiasm for literacy, libraries, and
lifelong learning. When you show families how much you love books and demonstrate the fun of
shared reading, you are an advocate. Simply thinking about friends or neighbors who may be
interested in all that the library has to offer is one of the first steps in building a network. Ask
around and survey those you already know before taking more complicated steps. To reach
others, pass along flyers, call, and write influential community members. Take all opportunities
to inform library users and advocates on any new activities, programs, and tools offered by the
library. Newsletters, e-mail updates, and electronic discussions educate others, but updates must
be done regularly. When the public is more informed on library issues, an increased number of
individuals may participate in speaking on behalf of the library at town meetings. Inspire others
to participate in sharing their stories on how the library has made a significant impact on their
lives. Library staff must also stay informed itself. As a library leader, encourage the staff to sign
up to receive updates on ALA advocacy activities. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and
trends that may help your cause.
Trustees of the library also must stay informed on new library programs, but especially
on issues such as censorship, funding, information literacy, and internet access. After all, not all
issues that come up in library culture are about funding. Michael J. Mclane declares that all
discussions on library advocacy should be on the larger issues that affect the way in which
libraries function and provide information and resources to our patrons. 7 Trustees must advocate
Jenna Nemec-Loise, Everyday Advocacy, Children & Libraries: The Journal of the
Association for Library Service to Children 11, no. 2 (Summer/Fall ///Summer/Fall2013 2013):
5759.
6

Michael J. McLane, Library Advocacy and the College Librarian, College & Undergraduate
Libraries 18, no. 1 (January 2011): 12831, doi:10.1080/10691316.2011.550542.
7

Janas 7

for the library in the same ways library staff must with updates and action alerts; however,
trustees have more of a responsibility to use their important connections in defense of the library.
Even when there comes a time where the library does not need to actively seek support from
political leaders, it is essential to stay in contact with officials and remember to thank them for
all that they do for the community. One way to show your appreciation for library advocates is
with an annual recognition event. An event during National Library Week would be most
appropriate simply to remind them of all the incredible things their support helps the library
accomplish.
Friends of the Library are uniquely needed groups because of their willing
correspondence with legislators and council members. As a library director or manager, be sure
the Friends know what an advocate is, how to advocate, why. Work closely with the group and
communicate that the library most needs it to communicate any legislative changes for the
library through newsletters, online updates, and e-mail. There should probably be an appointed
panel to keep track of current events at every level: local, state, and national. A method for
seeking meaningful outreach is by celebrating legislative allies by making them honorary
Friends. Have a committee plan an occasion to bring all of the honorary Friends together and
invite media coverage. This would be beneficial for all involved. The community leaders would
get public recognition for their community support, and the library would gain influential
backing. After the leaders become Friends, keep them posted on all library issues, events, and
programs by adding them to mailing lists. Friends groups can also reach out to those who may
not think of themselves as library advocates by discussing current topics on radio programs or in
magazine letters-to-the-editor. Not often do library issues come up in popular media such as in

Janas 8

the radio or in magazines, but there is always a way to connect a current topic to how the library
can provide resources.
Issues such as passing a referendum or increasing the library budget takes months of hard
work and plenty of support. In order to make the process easier, library professionals must create
a steady plan for action. Firstly, be sure to have a clear understanding of the objectives. Next,
survey the situation by recognizing what obstacles stand in the way, who is in opposition, who is
in support, and what strengths create your argument. Take the time to recognize more specific
projects such as fundraising, gathering volunteers, planning activities, creating a budget, and
appointing committees. Keep a record of the action progress and note what could have been done
differently to improve the campaign for next time. As previously discussed, defining a clear,
memorable message is key to getting results. Not only does the message need to identify the
critical campaign issues, but it must also be showcased to the right audiences. The advocacy
committee would target the most influential audiences and prepare accordingly. Different
audiences need to hear essentially the same message, but with different values emphasized. In
Kate Plunketts journal article on school media librarian advocacy, she argues that successful
outcome depends on two things: commitment and implementation. 8 Plunkett emphasizes that an
advocate should have a clear objective and target groups who need to know what you are
doing. Prepare advocacy speakers on which points to highlight for distinct audiences. After the
library has reached its goal, be sure to provide a thorough evaluation of the organization,
implementation, and results of the operation.

Kate Plunkett, Library Advocacy, Community & Junior College Libraries 16, no. 4 (October
2010): 23540, doi:10.1080/02763915.2010.523323.
8

Janas 9

Carefully chosen library spokespeople should act as experts when speaking out for the
library. Every library should have a designated spokesperson to deliver the librarys message and
have a clear understanding of testimony. In a sense, all library advocates speak for the library,
whether it is to friends, neighbors, parents, or the media. However, some people are more gifted
with speaking to larger audiences or using mass media. In Moreillon and Halls journal article on
using electronic tools to create advocacy stories, researchers found that using digital tools
strengthen advocates arguments.9 By creating a website where advocates can share their stories,
the library students who participated were able to lend a larger voice. Such a site may help
libraries on a local level with such personalized messages. School librarian, Ann Dutton Ewbank,
argues that the majority of library advocacy happens on the local level. 10 Large organizations
such as ALA indeed stress the importance of advocacy on a national level; however, it is within
ones own district or county that one can make the most difference.
There are scores of ways one can support the library and recruit others. The most
important thing one can do is keep talking about the library. Let friends, neighbors, and
coworkers know about recent changes with the library and how it is such a helpful institution
personally and for the community at large. Get to know representatives and invite them to visit
the library. Make and distribute handouts, plan a library event, and keep the press up-to-date on

9 Judi Moreillon and Ruth Nicole Hall, Digital Advocacy Stories: A Pedagogical Tool for

Communicating and Strengthening Library Values, Journal of Education for Library &
Information Science 55, no. 2 (Spring 2014): 100111.
Ann Dutton Ewbank, School Librarians Advocacy for the Profession: Results of a U.S.
National Survey, School Libraries Worldwide 17, no. 2 (July 2011): 4158.
10

Janas 10

issues. Build a powerful network of library advocates because the positive effort one puts in is
equal to the positive results.