The 10-Minute International Librarian #72: Be able to explain the costs of not having libraries

It’s normal to try and be positive in advocacy!

Decision-makers will often hear people complaining about not getting what they want, or asking them to come up with solutions.

It is understandable, then, that they are keen to find stakeholders who, instead of offering problems, bring answers.

However, it is always useful to be able to make clear that institutions and communities stand to lose if libraries are cut, or disappear altogether.

This can be a great way of focusing minds, and avoiding worst-case scenarios.

So for our 72nd 10-Minute International Librarian exercise, be able to explain the costs of not having libraries.

Think about what it could mean for education, research or culture. What opportunities would not be open for different members of your community?

What long term consequences could there be for development?

As ever, make sure you can make your arguments clearly and simply, so that they are easy to understand!

Do share your strongest arguments in the comments box 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.