Advocacy

Are you a thought leader?

Jun 15th, 2011 | By

We live in a time that is in need of inspiration. The aspirations of both individuals and society have always had a home within libraries and have traditionally found a voice through librarians. The theme for TEDx LibrariansTO is Librarians as Thought Leaders. Come to the event and experience this incredible opportunity to hear librarians
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Libraries Matter Tip #11

May 31st, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #11. Send monthly submissions to local schools with updates on library activities.  Include information on the collection, programs, intellectual freedom, anything, really, to get the library into the community.



Libraries Matter Tip #10

May 24th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #10. Take advantage of your library’s natural resources such as location, or existing resources: Is your library close to a riverbank or a park? Market taking out a book and finding a bench on which to read it. Does your library have public access Internet
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Libraries Matter Tip #9

May 17th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #9. Is there a possibility of involving local celebrities? Get quotes – like the famous ALA READ posters – ask local personalities and celebrities what they like to read, their sentimental library memories, etc.  Consider athletes, local celebrities like Brent Butt, Brad Johner, Joni Mitchell,
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Libraries Matter Tip #8

May 10th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #8. Engage your library’s front line staff – these are the people who interact with library patrons every day.  Library staff are often excited about library promotion.  Involve them in building momentum for library projects, programming, etc. by providing them with the information they need
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Libraries Matter Tip #7

May 3rd, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #7.  Utilize local media: TV spots – cultivate regular guest spots, on noon shows, etc.  Use every opportunity, make opportunities, and have a spokesperson ready to discuss the latest library program, or special service at the library. Can your library arrange for a regular column
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Libraries Matter Tip #6

Apr 26th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #6. Explore the library’s role in promoting the value of an informed citizenry.  Libraries already provide access to government information, but they can make partnerships with government to strengthen that service, and by doing so, promote the value of libraries to funders.



Libraries Matter Tip #5

Apr 19th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #5. Build and expand on existing partnerships with community organizations: Who are logical partners in your community? Spend this year building those relationships. Focus on your community’s needs: relevant programming, resources, outreach, special equipment for special needs.  Some of these services and programs already exist,
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Libraries Matter Tip #4

Apr 13th, 2011 | By

See the background document of the Libraries Matter campaign. Tip #4.  Free promotional opportunities are often under-utilized by libraries: Put free community announcements on radio and cable TV (consider all stations that do this) as well as local weekly newspapers, websites.  These opportunities could be used for more than just announcing library programs.  In order
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The death of books has been greatly exaggerated

Feb 25th, 2011 | By

Lately, I have noticed more and more people asking me about eBooks. Specifically, the perceived threat that they post to Libraries. The thinking seems to be, if people are getting information in eBooks, then Libraries – those fancy buildings created solely to house physical books – are therefore doomed. I have been finding the opposite,
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