Office for Library Advocacy

Mission

The Office for Library Advocacy (OLA) supports the efforts of advocates seeking to improve libraries of all types by developing resources, a peer-to-peer advocacy network, and training for advocates at the local, state and national level. In order to achieve this goal, OLA works closely with the Public Awareness Office, the Chapter Relations Office, the Office for Government Relations, and other ALA units involved in advocacy on behalf of particular types of libraries or particular issues, in order to help better integrate these efforts into the overall advocacy planning and strategies of the association. OLA also works to cultivate future leadership in order to sustain the advocacy efforts of the association.

Oversight Groups

• ALA Committee on Library Advocacy (Standing, Council)
• Advocacy Coordinating Group                                                                                                                             

Information on Office for Library Advocacy oversight groups.

Events

Advocacy Institute

Popular Resources

Advocacy & Legislation
I Love Libraries
Advocacy University

• Quotable Facts About America's Libraries (2017 edition)
• Add It Up: Libraries Make the Difference in Youth Development and Education
• Budget in the Crosshairs? Navigating a Challenging Budget Year
• Cultivating Your Local Notables
• Frontline Advocacy
• Frontline Fundraising
• Library Snapshot Day Primer
• Making Budget Presentations

ALA Protocol for Monitoring and Responding to State and Local Library Crises

Staff

Marci Merola
Director
312.280.2431; 800.545.2433, ext. 2431
mmerola@ala.org

Joaquin Falcon
Communications Specialist
312.280.2428; 800.545.2433, ext. 2428
jfalcon@ala.org

Megan Murray Cusick
Grassroots Specialist
312.280.2423, 800.545.2433, ext. 2423
mcusick@ala.org

Jan Carmichael
Web/New Media Specialist
312.280.5041, 800.545.2433  ext. 5041
jcarmichael@ala.org