Anyone who is planning an advocacy training for their public library or library system, or who is getting ready to start practicing advocacy, should have a clear understanding of what advocacy is and why it is important for public libraries.
The Value of Advocacy
“Advocacy” can mean a lot of different things: publicly supporting a cause, making a compelling argument on behalf of an organization, or urging a particular change in policy. Many of you will already be familiar with advocacy activities, such as communications, community relations, branding, marketing, and lobbying.
For this advocacy training curriculum, public library advocacy is defined as: The actions individuals or organizations undertake to influence decision-making at the local, regional, state, national, and international level that help create a desired funding or policy change in support of public libraries.See an animated version of this definition in the video below.
Advocacy helps to:
Inform public library users and the community as a whole about library services and their value
Demonstrate how public library services—including access to the Internet—improve the lives of people in the community
Ensure libraries have resources to continue offering these important services
Secure a place at the table for library leaders where important funding and policy decisions are made
The Importance of Impact Data
One of the most important tools in advocacy is information about the positive impact public libraries have on the lives of people in their community - or impact data.
Most libraries already gather traditional metrics of success, such as the number of library visitors, the number of book (or other resource) loans, the number computers installed in the library, and the number of library staff who receive formal training. Impact data looks beyond these numbers to understand the difference that these factors have made to individuals and groups.
Impact data demonstrates how public libraries and library services contribute to measurable results like job skills developed, education attained, employment found, money saved, and livelihoods improved. With this type of information, library advocates can show partners and decision-makers the valuable role the library plays in meeting community needs and can strengthen support for the public library.
Curriculum Sessions & Materials
Visit our Curriculum Sessions & Materials page to get more information on the topics that interest you: whether it’s getting a deeper understanding of advocacy, setting an advocacy goal, identifying the right target audiences, using data to strengthen your argument, writing effective messages, or preparing a funding request.
Get additional information on the importance of advocacy and the advocacy process, and learn how to plan, staff, and implement an advocacy training program.
