Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival

ISBN-13: 9781610691871

123 pages • 8½ x 11
 2012

This book provides practical strategies and step-by-step plans for developing advocacy initiatives for school libraries.

In a time when school budgets are being trimmed and library positions are being eliminated, the ability to attract funding and illustrate value is essential. Today's school librarians need to champion their programs and instigate positive change, yet many lack the necessary advocacy skills.

School libraries provide an essential service to the community, but without proper funding few libraries stand a chance to maintain the resources they offer to survive at all. School librarians can play an instrumental role in the survival of their programs. This how-to book provides school librarians with effective advocacy and activism strategies for promoting and improving their library programs.

Activism and the School Librarian: Tools for Advocacy and Survival offers straightforward, practical approaches for creating advocacy programs. This guidebook examines the characteristics for becoming an advocate, explores the meaning of advocacy/activism as an effort that is ongoing and proactive, and provides the steps required for initiating a successful program. The author addresses the various types of advocacy and activism, including legislative advocacy at the local, state, and national levels; school and district level programs; and community-based initiatives. The book includes expert advice from successful advocates, helpful reproducible tools, and a comprehensive glossary of terms.