As part of our special package on libraries and civic engagement, we asked a few members of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Policy Corps—library workers specially trained in advocacy and policy issues—to give us their tips and best practices for being effective library advocates. Here’s what they had to say about what works and what doesn’t when meeting with members of Congress, their staffers, and other decision-makers.
“Library issues are surprisingly easy to tie to bigger issues in Congress. Creating and maintaining 21st-century infrastructure and net neutrality, for example, are hot topics right now.”
Kate A. Alderete, director at Taos (N.Mex.) Public Library and 2019 ALA Policy Corps Member
“When libraries advocate for a shared goal alongside other institutions—like schools and workforce agencies—we expand the reach of our library network and demonstrate the full breadth of what’s at stake with any issue.”
Hannah Buckland, state library program specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education and 2018 ALA Policy Corps Member
“It is up to us to ensure that our policymakers view our advocacy through a modern lens. From Wi-Fi access and digital learning resources to STEAM programming, makerspaces, and meeting places, the library provides growth opportunities for potential employees and employers alike.”
Mary Pellicano, librarian at Loudon County (Va.) Public Schools and 2019 ALA Policy Corps Member
“We all have stories to share about how our libraries impact our communities, but they need connect to the stakeholders’ own interests. Develop a message triangle to create three key messages backed with data or analogies.”
Raymond Pun, instruction and research librarian at Alder Graduate School of Education in Redwood City, California, and 2019 ALA Policy Corps Member
“Being an effective library advocate starts with realizing that anyone can—and should—advocate for libraries. You don’t need to be an expert, in charge, or even a library employee.”
Deborah Rinio, assistant teaching professor at Montana State University in Bozeman, adjunct instructor at University of Alaska Fairbanks, and 2018 ALA Policy Corps Member
“Policy Corps training has helped to underscore for me just how much is at stake if we don’t advocate for libraries—access to opportunity, not just for the millions of people libraries impact every day, but also for the government agencies, nonprofits, churches, schools, and businesses that rely on libraries to achieve their own missions.”
Nicole H. Robinson, deputy director at Houston Public Library and 2019 ALA Policy Corps Member
“Informal, relationship-based advocacy is the most powerful tool in politics. It can beat money and partisanship. I strongly recommend that anyone advocating on behalf of libraries leaves their political bias at home.”
Lance Werner, executive director at Kent District Library in Comstock Park, Michigan, and 2018 ALA Policy Corps Member
