What makes for a successful library or library system?
Clearly, the energy and dedication of staff plays a major role. We are lucky to have so many inventive and focused people in the field.
But there are also other factors, not least the decisions made by law-makers and funders.
This is why it is so important to advocate, in order to shape their opinions. You can do this directly, or indirectly, by working to build wider public support for libraries.
But in doing this, it’s important to have an idea of your goal. This will help keep your message clear and well defined.
So for our 8th 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, think of an advocacy priority.
Think about what you might want to change, in order to deliver more for your community. This could be funding, but could also be something else – a law that would give you new possibilities, integration into plans for education, employment or health, or rules around staffing.
Think what would have most impact, but would also be achievable. And don’t hesitate to share here – you’ll likely find many others in a similar situation who can share their experience!
Good luck!
This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Strategic Direction 1, Key Initiative 3: Work with library associations and libraries to identify key legal and funding challenges to their work, and advocate for action.
As we publish more ideas, you will be able to view these using the #10MinuteInternationalLibrarian tag on this blog, and of course on IFLA’s Ideas Store! Do also share your ideas in the comments box.
An advocacy priority is to measure and promote the outcomes of public library services so that funders and others see the impact of the library on individuals and communities.
I advocate for policies that will recognize librarians and libraries as essential workers and spaces respectively(especially public libraries).we need this urgently to be able to reduce the consumption and use of secondary sources of fake news and misinformation