Following on from previous IFLA series – the 10-Minute Library Advocate, and the ongoing 10-Minute International Librarian – we are happy today to launch a new one – the 10-Minute Digital Librarian. Just like the other series, this will focus on actions you can take which do not necessarily require much time or effort, but […]
Read moreThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought many proofs of how much libraries matter for their communities. We have seen high demand for services and resources online and by phone, regrets shared by users about not being able to visit in person, libraries stepping up to help people access the internet or sign up for government support. […]
Read moreAdvocacy is not always easy. Through this series, we have shared 50 ideas of what you can do in 10 minutes to become a more effective advocate. Together, that’s over eight hours of activity. Of course in reality you may spend longer in order to think, plan, and do things, and to meet the medium-term […]
Read moreAdvocacy is about building support. It relies on convincing other people of the need to speak, and to act, for libraries. They, in turn, are the ones who can make a difference for you in your work. Successful advocacy may rely on a whole network – from those in power (see Exercise #6) to journalists […]
Read moreAdvocacy is about getting noticed and staying noticed. You need something that will stay in the head of the person you’re talking to. We’ve already talked about surprising facts (Exercise #46) or statistics (Exercise #4), but you also need your message to stick. Advertisers and politicians have long known this when planning a campaign. A […]
Read moreAdvocacy is stronger when it comes with references! Being able to back up what you’re saying with stories, statistics or studies makes you more convincing. We’ve already talked about individual elements – an example (Exercise #9), a fact (Exercise #46) a number (Exercise #4), or a quote (Exercise #17). But given that you may need […]
Read moreThe need for library advocacy is clear. But it’s not always easy to tell how effective it has been. Changes in opinion or levels of support are not always easy to count. But it’s far from impossible! When you set goals, it’s worth taking a few minutes at least to look at how you know […]
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