AASL Advocacy Toolkit
Because Student Achievement IS the Bottom Line
AASL has compiled this collection of ready-to-use tools to conduct an advocacy campaign--large or small--for school library media programs. School library media specialists are encouraged to build on the publicity being generated by First Lady Laura Bush's White House conference focusing on school libraries and their connection to student achievement by launching or renewing advocacy efforts on behalf of school library media programs. Read the "Call to Action".
 Materials from AASL's Preconference "Transforming Your Program Through Advocacy" (June 2006)
AASL Instructional Classification Toolkit
@ your library® School Library Campaign
Developed in collaboration with AASL, the school library component of the American Library Association's @ your library® campaign seeks to increase public awareness of the significant contributions made by school library media specialists through school library media programs to further the academic achievement and lifelong learning of students; strengthen a belief in the value of school library media programs and school library media specialists; and position school librarianship as a desirable career opportunity. Includes the @ your library® Toolkit for School Library Media Programs with messages, ideas and strategies for promoting the value of school library media programs and library media specialists in the 21st century.
Every Student Suceeds @ your libraryTM
Strategic Marketing for School Library Media Centers (PowerPoint presentation)
AASL Introduction to Advocacy and Advocacy Training
This PowerPoint presentation provides a basic framework for launching an advocacy effort on behalf of your school library media program.
Talking Points:
Information from some of these talking points has been compiled as a Fact Sheet by the ALA Public Information Office. It is offered as part of a Press Kit highlighting ALA's involvement in the White House Conference on School Libraries. AASL encourages you to make your local newsmedia aware of this press kit.
Stories of School Libraries and Librarians in the News
ALA and AASL have successfully captured the media spotlight and trained it on the need for librarians--particularly in schools--with stories ranging from the Denver Post to the Orlando Sentinel. The stories highlight not only the need for more school library media specialists, but the value they bring to their school communities and the need to compensate them appropriately. When reading these stories online, AASL encourages you to take advantage of "feedback" and "contact us" tools on each newspaper's Web site to let the reporters and editors know you appreciate these stories and emphasize how important it is that their readers understand the critical role that school librarians and library media programs play in the education of children. You should also contact your own local newspapers and encourage them to cover school libraries in your area. Be sure to forward such stories to AASL (aasl@ala.org) when they are published.
Sample Letter to the Editor
Edit and submit this letter to the editor of the editorial or op-ed page of your daily newspaper.
ALA Resolution: School Libraries and Librarians are Critical to Educational Success
At its June 2003 meeting the Council of the American Library Association unanimously passed a resolution in support of school libraries and librarians. The resolution was initiated by ALA Councilor Cyndi Phillip, Library Media Specialist/Instructional Media Services Department Head, Grand Haven (Michigan) Public Schools, and the Immediate Past Chair of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Affiliate Assembly.
Information Power Basic Implementation Kit
This PowerPoint presentation is designed for use by building-level school library media specialists to introduce the standards and principles of Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning to an audience of parents, teachers, and/or building administrators. Placing the standards and principles in the context of building-level programming can help to create advocates for the library media program among these stakeholder groups.
Information Power Brochure
The brochure lists the Nine Information Literacy Standards and suggests ways that Information Power can benefit students, teachers, library media specialists and administrators. A great tool to use with your educational partners when advocating for Information Power in your school or district.
"Preparing for the Planning Process" (PDF File)
This excerpt from AASL's A Planning Guide for Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning can help you increase awareness of your school library media program by including your principal, teachers, and other members of your education community in the planning process.
Principal's Manual Brochure
This brochure is designed to guide principals in assessing and planning for their school library media programs. Offered as an aid to principals as they prepare with school library media staff, district administrators, teachers, students and parents for the next school year.
Capitalizing on the School Library’s Potential to Positively Affect Student Achievement: A Sampling of Resources for Administrators
Dr. Gary Hartzell's White House conference presentation. Includes a bibliography of 50 years' worth of studies showing school library impact, materials on the role of the principal in quality library media programs, and persuasion materials (links to PowerPoint presentations and other items).
"Tips For a Successful Meeting With Your Elected Officials"
The Teacher Leaders Network offers this list of tips (adapted from a publication of the United Advocates For Children of California) for having an effective personal meeting with elected officials.
AASL Resource Guides:
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Other Support Materials:
State-level Advocacy Tools:
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