Library Advocate's Handbook
“Isn’t Amazon.com going to put public libraries out of business?”
“Why do school libraries need money for books when everything is online?”
“Why do we need a campus library when students can do their research on the Internet?”
Technology 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.
The Library Advocate’s Handbook covers basic techniques that work, whether you are seeking an increase in funding, campaigning for a new building or dealing with controversy on social networking or the USA PATRIOT Act.
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.
Download the Library Advocate's Handbook (PDF) now!