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Advocacy and the Public Library

Advocacy and the Public Library. Michael Roche Vermont Department of Libraries September 20, 2011. Definitions…. Public Relations Marketing Customer Service Advocacy. Why Advocacy Matters. Advocacy is needed before we need it Advocacy is about communication

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Advocacy and the Public Library

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  1. Advocacy and the Public Library Michael Roche Vermont Department of Libraries September 20, 2011

  2. Definitions… • Public Relations • Marketing • Customer Service • Advocacy

  3. Why Advocacy Matters • Advocacy is needed before we need it • Advocacy is about communication • Advocacy is about making a connection • Advocacy goal(s)

  4. Public Library: a “Soft Service” • What’s been our role? • Technology and the Internet • Media and the library • Challenges we face

  5. Funding and the Public Library • Why People Do and Don’t Support Libraries • Our library users • Perceptions matters • Lack of knowledge of who we are and what we do

  6. Library Image

  7. Why Libraries Don’t Get Their Fair Share • Downplay the importance of political connections • Not very well informed about the political process • Fail to communicate value to community stakeholders • Lingering negative perceptions • We make it easy to cut our budget • Don’t see the value, or don’t want to be political

  8. Advocacy works best when… • It’s used to advance a specific proposal • We have a strong and clear mission • We have clear purpose and solution • Who we need to influence • We have a compelling message

  9. Advocacy Plan-Step 1 • Do you have a clear understanding of the issue? • Does everyone agree on the action that needs to be taken? • Do you have the time to dedicate to a serious planning effort? Can you make the time?

  10. Starting Your Plan-Step 2 • Determine your objective • Identify your target group • Develop strategies • Choose you communication tools

  11. Step 3--Politicking • Make it personal • Library is better at… • Library as part of the community • Be visible • Talk about VALUE

  12. Working with the Town Selectboard • Be positive • Municipal libraries/town elected trustees • Demonstrate the library’s public value • Administratively and operational feasible • Tell a story

  13. Libraries Make a Difference • Libraries save you money • Our doors are open • Save you time and effort • Serve you directly and indirectly • Respect for the individual

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