Free public library advocacy training from PLA offers unique opportunity for interactive online education

CHICAGO — Registration has opened for the online summer session (week of July 9–week of August 13, 2012) of Turning the Page 2.0, a free advocacy training program for public libraries, developed and presented by the Public Library Association (PLA) with generous support from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Participants choose an advocacy goal for their library and are guided through the creation of an Advocacy Work Plan. Highly interactive units cover topics such as creating and telling the library story, building relationships with key decision makers, project management and making the all-important ask. Read what previous participants have to say about the structure and content of the course.

Each six-week session of Turning the Page 2.0 consists of:

• In-person kick-off (optional)
• Weekly, facilitator-led virtual classroom sessions
• Independent assignments to advance Advocacy Work Plan (one-two hours/week)
• Personalized facilitator feedback
• Online community

Participants should expect to spend about three hours per week on this program. A certificate of completion will be awarded following the submission of an Advocacy Work Plan.

The upcoming July-August session will begin with an optional, in-person kick-off on June 22 at the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Registration for this preconference is free; however overall conference registration rates apply. Participants must register for the in-person event separately from the online portion of the program.

Registration for Turning the Page 2.0 is open to all public librarians, library staff and library supporters, including board members, Friends and local officials. Libraries are encouraged to complete Turning the Page 2.0 with an advocacy team that works through the program together. 

For more information about the program, please email ttp2@ala.org.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.