Library Advocate's Handbook

Download the Library Advocate's Handbook (PDF)

Library Advocate's Handbooks are available for $5 (includes shipping and handling) per booklet.  Call 1-800-545-2433, ext. 2428 to purchase or with any questions.

Foreign Language Versions                                                                             

Spanish Library Advocate's Handbook (PDF)

Portuguese (PDF)  The Library Advocate's Handbook was translated by FEBAB, The Brazilian Federation of Library Associations, 2012.

Slovenian (PDF) Translation and modification: Breda Karun; Publisher: Jara, Zavod za razvoj knjižnic, 2013.


Library Advocate's Handbook coverTechnology has vastly changed the way most of us access information, and it has greatly enhanced library and information services. It has also raised some unsettling questions.

Library advocates have a critical role to play in answering these questions. In schools, on campuses, in neighborhoods, and on Capitol Hill, library advocates are the voice of America’s libraries.

The American Library Association’s advocacy trainings, including the Advocacy Institutes, are designed to support librarians, library staff, and library advocates in delivering the library message to legislators; the media; and campus, community and school officials who shape public opinion and control support for library services.

Used in conjunction with training at state, regional and national library conferences, the Library Advocate’s Handbook has reached thousands of library advocates, enabling them to increase public awareness and support for library services.

But our efforts are far from over. In the information age, library advocates continue to have a crucial role to play in educating our communities about why libraries and librarians are essential in an information society.To be effective, they must speak loudly, clearly and with a unified voice. Democracy needs libraries. And libraries need advocates.