Too often, decision-makers will tend to take libraries for granted, and not spend enough time or effort thinking about them.
This is of course a lost opportunity, given how much integrating libraries into policy planning can help support wider policy goals.
It’s therefore important to be able to start a conversation.
A great way to do this is by being able to get your interlocutor to engage their braincells by being able to say something powerful or unexpected.
So for our 63rd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, memorise a high-impact reference.
It could be a quote, a fact, or a statistic – what is important is to make it short and powerful.
You could focus on something that highlights the need for libraries – such as literacy rates, the need for community spaces, or volumes of heritage at risk.
You might also focus on the impact that libraries can, or are having – the connection between the strength of libraries and positive policy outcomes, or even a story.
Once memorised, you can use it in advocacy or in wider conversation to get people thinking about the importance of libraries, and what they can do to help.
Let us know your favourite references in the comments below.
Good luck!
This idea relates to the IFLA Strategy! Key Initiative 1.1: Show the power of libraries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
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 below.