Crisis Communications

Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit
Across the country, families are facing tough economic times. Americans are visiting their local public libraries more often and checking out items in greater frequency. Ironically, at the same time, libraries are being forced to reduce hours, cut staff and even close their doors. Check out the following resources and tools, including news clips, op-eds, and statistics to help library supporters make the case for libraries in these times.
Budget in the Crosshairs? Navigating a Challenging Budget Year
This guide will help you prepare and plan for your library’s survival and growth during tough economic times.
Making Your Case Fact Sheet - In Case of Controversy: Basic Tips for Crisis Communications (PDF) or word document

Available from ALA Editions

Crisis in Employment: A Librarian's Guide to Helping Job Seekers

In difficult economic times people turn to their local library for help seeking new work. Crisis in Employment will give you the tools you need to support this growing group of patrons. Based on interviews with librarians across the country, as well as research from ALA’s Office for Research and Statistics, this ALA Editions Special Report offers advice and methods for providing appropriate training and education to job seekers. Crisis in Employment will help you meet the needs of patrons seeking new work, making career changes, or starting their own businesses in a comprehensive way that suits your local community’s conditions. Visit the ALA Store.