SlideShare uma empresa Scribd logo
1 de 19
Frontline
Advocacy for
      School
   Libraries:
      How to Add
 that Personalized
            Touch
           Sabrina Carnesi
     Virginia Learning4Life
                Coordinator
 Crittenden Middle School
  Newport News, Virginia
sabrina.carnesi@nn.k12.v
                       a.us
Who is „front line‟ in
the school library?
All school library personnel
are front line:
• Certified School
  Librarian
• Clerk
• Volunteers
• Technology Support
  Specialist(TSS)
• Technology
  Curriculum
  Instructional
  Specialist(TCIS)
Here‟s what we
       know…
• Legislative advocacy needs to come from
  others

• No one hates libraries

• We can provide service & information
To Whom do We
      Advocate?
* Parents / School Alumni Associations / Community
  Members
* Site administrators
* Teachers
* Other School Librarians
• Legislators
• School Board Members
• Accreditation Agencies
• Feeder schools (above and below)
* 4 major stakeholders in a school library program – AASL, 2008
Comfort level of
     advocating?
“Who am I to talk to these people?”

“I‟m just a clerk”

“I‟m the only library person in my school – no
   one wants to listen to me”

“I don‟t want to offend someone”
First Step: learn how
     to…BRAG!
• Great shameless self-promoters
  know that if they don‟t toot their
  own horn, no one will:

  – Brag!: The Art of Tooting your
    own Horn without Blowing It by
    Peggy Klaus
    (2004, ISBN - 9780446692786)
  – http://networkinghq.wordpress.co
    m/2010/02/16/how-to-brag-about-
    yourself-without-turning-others-
    off/
Second Step: Get
      Organized
1. Generate a brochure or flyer to hand out to your
   stakeholders
2. Create promotional pitches addressed to the
   stakeholders using the elevator speech or the
   bragalogue format
3. For more professional presentations when you wish
   to garner help and support for your library program,
   organize your library data with the annual “School
   Libraries Count” survey or “A Planning Guide for
   Empowering Learners”

FORWARD
• Excerpt from California School Library Association‟s “Best Sellers”
  brochure that is applicable to Virginia school librarians at
  http://bestsellers4schoollibraries.csla.net

BACK
Sample
STANDARD 4 ~ AUDIENCE: PARENTS
                                 Based on Common Belief #1
                                         – Reading is a window to the world.



   I know you want your child to have a
   successful life. And so do I. We both believe
   that reading is the key to learning for life and
   developing new understandings. I invite your
   support for our afterschool book club by
   allowing your child to participate. (46 words)

   N. Silcox – Arlington City Schools
   November 2009

BACK
•“School Libraries Count” is an online
longitudinal survey available to the public
this year from January through May of each
year.
•All that participates
receive a printout of
their individual
library‟s raw data and
how it compares to
similar libraries
throughout both the
state and nation.
BACK
• “A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners” is a
   program evaluation, planning, implementation
   and advocacy tool that will ensure school library
   program planners go beyond the basics to provide
   goals, priorities, criteria, and general principles for
   establishing effective library programs.
• The guide includes a revised School Library Program Assessment Rubric, a tool
  that allows school librarians to assess their program on 16 different sets of
  criteria.”

• There is also an online version available which produces bar and pie graphics of
  your library data:

• View these webinars to learn “How the assessment rubric informs your planning
  process,” “The planning process and getting your school community involved,”
  and “Using the Planning Guide with „School Libraries Count!‟ personalized
  results to advocate for your school library program.”

   http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/planningguide/planningguideresourc
   es.cfm

BACK
BACK
BACK
How does this work
     for you?
• Talk to people you see every day: tell
  them something interesting about your
  job or your program.
• Invite them in: don‟t make the library
  hands-off.
Third Step: Show
    don’t Just Tell
  Make Your Advocacy Campaign one of
                Action!
• Become more involved (if not already) with
  staff development and with the school
  improvement planning team!

• Don‟t forget to say Thank You to all that
  are involved in the life of your program!
4 Key Messages of
   your Advocacy
Campaign Should Be:
 1.   Students deserve equitable access to libraries.

 2.   The New Standards provide a blueprint for strong school
      libraries.

 3.   School librarians collaborate with others to provide instruction,
      learning strategies, and practice in using the essential learning
      skills needed in the 21st century.

 4.   Students need to develop skills in sharing knowledge and learning
      with others, both in face-to-face situations and through technology

 5.   A strong school library = a certified librarian and a full time clerk
      supported by substantial and consistent funding.
QUESTIONS?
Thank You for Attending!

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Mais procurados

Teaching information literacy with discovery tools
Teaching information literacy with discovery toolsTeaching information literacy with discovery tools
Teaching information literacy with discovery tools
ALATechSource
 
Wa School Libraries a Class Act
Wa School Libraries a Class ActWa School Libraries a Class Act
Wa School Libraries a Class Act
vam1108
 
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
Sabrina Carnesi
 
Selection policy evaluation
Selection policy evaluationSelection policy evaluation
Selection policy evaluation
Laurie Roberts
 

Mais procurados (20)

Embedding information literacy through critical skills and a new curriculum -...
Embedding information literacy through critical skills and a new curriculum -...Embedding information literacy through critical skills and a new curriculum -...
Embedding information literacy through critical skills and a new curriculum -...
 
Integrating Different Technology Tools in the Classroom
Integrating Different Technology Tools in the ClassroomIntegrating Different Technology Tools in the Classroom
Integrating Different Technology Tools in the Classroom
 
Online reading lists: encouraging staff engagement to improve student informa...
Online reading lists: encouraging staff engagement to improve student informa...Online reading lists: encouraging staff engagement to improve student informa...
Online reading lists: encouraging staff engagement to improve student informa...
 
Cultivate the ground before the plant: developing an organic environment for ...
Cultivate the ground before the plant: developing an organic environment for ...Cultivate the ground before the plant: developing an organic environment for ...
Cultivate the ground before the plant: developing an organic environment for ...
 
Teaching information literacy with discovery tools
Teaching information literacy with discovery toolsTeaching information literacy with discovery tools
Teaching information literacy with discovery tools
 
Tertiary Transition - Bridging the Information Literacy Gap
Tertiary Transition - Bridging the Information Literacy GapTertiary Transition - Bridging the Information Literacy Gap
Tertiary Transition - Bridging the Information Literacy Gap
 
Teacher Librarian Collaborative Practice
Teacher Librarian Collaborative Practice Teacher Librarian Collaborative Practice
Teacher Librarian Collaborative Practice
 
Developmentally Appropriate Practices to Support the Young Adolescent
Developmentally Appropriate Practices to Support the Young AdolescentDevelopmentally Appropriate Practices to Support the Young Adolescent
Developmentally Appropriate Practices to Support the Young Adolescent
 
Information literacy skills for lifelong learning
Information literacy skills for lifelong learningInformation literacy skills for lifelong learning
Information literacy skills for lifelong learning
 
Spontaneous Applause: Lightening Talk at SHSU PACE TLC 2020
Spontaneous Applause: Lightening Talk at SHSU PACE TLC 2020Spontaneous Applause: Lightening Talk at SHSU PACE TLC 2020
Spontaneous Applause: Lightening Talk at SHSU PACE TLC 2020
 
Wa School Libraries a Class Act
Wa School Libraries a Class ActWa School Libraries a Class Act
Wa School Libraries a Class Act
 
School libraries and the common core
School libraries and the common coreSchool libraries and the common core
School libraries and the common core
 
Portage.admin.June2017
Portage.admin.June2017Portage.admin.June2017
Portage.admin.June2017
 
Kamloops.core competencies
Kamloops.core competenciesKamloops.core competencies
Kamloops.core competencies
 
On/off campus: responding quickly to subject support gaps in information lite...
On/off campus: responding quickly to subject support gaps in information lite...On/off campus: responding quickly to subject support gaps in information lite...
On/off campus: responding quickly to subject support gaps in information lite...
 
Promoting student learning
Promoting student learningPromoting student learning
Promoting student learning
 
Lilac 2019 Making the Invisible Visible: Developing collaborative practice mo...
Lilac 2019 Making the Invisible Visible: Developing collaborative practice mo...Lilac 2019 Making the Invisible Visible: Developing collaborative practice mo...
Lilac 2019 Making the Invisible Visible: Developing collaborative practice mo...
 
Evidence-Based Practice for School Libraries
Evidence-Based Practice for School LibrariesEvidence-Based Practice for School Libraries
Evidence-Based Practice for School Libraries
 
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians spring regional 2011
 
Selection policy evaluation
Selection policy evaluationSelection policy evaluation
Selection policy evaluation
 

Destaque (10)

Packing tips for 2012 europe
Packing tips for 2012 europePacking tips for 2012 europe
Packing tips for 2012 europe
 
Knitting4 life (k4l) regional presentation 2012
Knitting4 life (k4l) regional presentation 2012Knitting4 life (k4l) regional presentation 2012
Knitting4 life (k4l) regional presentation 2012
 
2013 Virginia Reader's Choice Titles for Middle School
2013 Virginia Reader's Choice Titles for Middle School2013 Virginia Reader's Choice Titles for Middle School
2013 Virginia Reader's Choice Titles for Middle School
 
Acceptance speech
Acceptance speechAcceptance speech
Acceptance speech
 
Shining a light on 2011 2012 vrc ms
Shining a light on 2011  2012 vrc msShining a light on 2011  2012 vrc ms
Shining a light on 2011 2012 vrc ms
 
Webinar power point
Webinar power pointWebinar power point
Webinar power point
 
2010 york regional
2010 york regional2010 york regional
2010 york regional
 
What not to wear
What not to wearWhat not to wear
What not to wear
 
Lumbar mass
Lumbar massLumbar mass
Lumbar mass
 
diseases of Umbilicus
diseases of Umbilicusdiseases of Umbilicus
diseases of Umbilicus
 

Semelhante a Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians

Why care about school libraries
Why care about school librariesWhy care about school libraries
Why care about school libraries
gamis1
 
Aasl 2011 vema presentation
Aasl   2011 vema presentationAasl   2011 vema presentation
Aasl 2011 vema presentation
Sabrina Carnesi
 
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
Regan Harper
 

Semelhante a Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians (20)

The Notable Reports Panel Strikes Again: WAPL 2017
The Notable Reports Panel Strikes Again: WAPL 2017The Notable Reports Panel Strikes Again: WAPL 2017
The Notable Reports Panel Strikes Again: WAPL 2017
 
People Management in School Libraries
People Management in School LibrariesPeople Management in School Libraries
People Management in School Libraries
 
Why care about school libraries
Why care about school librariesWhy care about school libraries
Why care about school libraries
 
Straight Talk about the "B" Word: using the Edge benchmarks in your library
Straight Talk about the "B" Word: using the Edge benchmarks in your libraryStraight Talk about the "B" Word: using the Edge benchmarks in your library
Straight Talk about the "B" Word: using the Edge benchmarks in your library
 
Becoming a Great Academic Liaison Workshop
Becoming a Great Academic Liaison WorkshopBecoming a Great Academic Liaison Workshop
Becoming a Great Academic Liaison Workshop
 
Wrapping the Gift? The Role of the School Library and Evaluating the School ...
Wrapping the Gift?  The Role of the School Library and Evaluating the School ...Wrapping the Gift?  The Role of the School Library and Evaluating the School ...
Wrapping the Gift? The Role of the School Library and Evaluating the School ...
 
Spell training
Spell trainingSpell training
Spell training
 
iLIT Program Development inviting library profession to review on May 30, 2015
iLIT Program Development inviting library profession to review on May 30, 2015iLIT Program Development inviting library profession to review on May 30, 2015
iLIT Program Development inviting library profession to review on May 30, 2015
 
The Re-education of Administration: Why every school administrator should be ...
The Re-education of Administration: Why every school administrator should be ...The Re-education of Administration: Why every school administrator should be ...
The Re-education of Administration: Why every school administrator should be ...
 
Swapshop 2014: Six Book Challenge - Genevieve Clarke, The Reading Agency
Swapshop 2014: Six Book Challenge - Genevieve Clarke, The Reading AgencySwapshop 2014: Six Book Challenge - Genevieve Clarke, The Reading Agency
Swapshop 2014: Six Book Challenge - Genevieve Clarke, The Reading Agency
 
Beyond Disciplines: Providing Outreach to Underserved Groups by Demographic
Beyond Disciplines: Providing Outreach to Underserved Groups by DemographicBeyond Disciplines: Providing Outreach to Underserved Groups by Demographic
Beyond Disciplines: Providing Outreach to Underserved Groups by Demographic
 
Distance Learning Library Services Needs Assessment
Distance Learning Library Services Needs AssessmentDistance Learning Library Services Needs Assessment
Distance Learning Library Services Needs Assessment
 
Kail & La Placa Ricords - E-resources and information literacy: the next step
Kail & La Placa Ricords - E-resources and information literacy: the next stepKail & La Placa Ricords - E-resources and information literacy: the next step
Kail & La Placa Ricords - E-resources and information literacy: the next step
 
Bringing in the Masses: Making Your Library Essential
Bringing in the Masses: Making Your Library EssentialBringing in the Masses: Making Your Library Essential
Bringing in the Masses: Making Your Library Essential
 
BC week 2
BC week 2BC week 2
BC week 2
 
Aasl 2011 vema presentation
Aasl   2011 vema presentationAasl   2011 vema presentation
Aasl 2011 vema presentation
 
Creating a Digital Media Space for Today's Teens: Part 1 (Jan. 2019)
Creating a Digital Media Space for Today's Teens: Part 1 (Jan. 2019)Creating a Digital Media Space for Today's Teens: Part 1 (Jan. 2019)
Creating a Digital Media Space for Today's Teens: Part 1 (Jan. 2019)
 
Information literacy in LIS education - Charles Inskip
Information literacy in LIS education - Charles InskipInformation literacy in LIS education - Charles Inskip
Information literacy in LIS education - Charles Inskip
 
Vermont Strategic Planning
Vermont Strategic PlanningVermont Strategic Planning
Vermont Strategic Planning
 
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
Polite debate il_slides [read-only]
 

Último

1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
QucHHunhnh
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
kauryashika82
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
ciinovamais
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
heathfieldcps1
 

Último (20)

9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service9548086042  for call girls in Indira Nagar  with room service
9548086042 for call girls in Indira Nagar with room service
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdfKey note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
Key note speaker Neum_Admir Softic_ENG.pdf
 
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf1029 -  Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
1029 - Danh muc Sach Giao Khoa 10 . pdf
 
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in DelhiRussian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
Russian Escort Service in Delhi 11k Hotel Foreigner Russian Call Girls in Delhi
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdfDisha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
Disha NEET Physics Guide for classes 11 and 12.pdf
 
General AI for Medical Educators April 2024
General AI for Medical Educators April 2024General AI for Medical Educators April 2024
General AI for Medical Educators April 2024
 
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
Advance Mobile Application Development class 07
 
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
Software Engineering Methodologies (overview)
 
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
Sports & Fitness Value Added Course FY..
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdfClass 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
Class 11th Physics NEET formula sheet pdf
 
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy ReformA Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
 
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
Presentation by Andreas Schleicher Tackling the School Absenteeism Crisis 30 ...
 
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdfActivity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
Activity 01 - Artificial Culture (1).pdf
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The BasicsIntroduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
Introduction to Nonprofit Accounting: The Basics
 
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
The Most Excellent Way | 1 Corinthians 13
 

Frontline Advocacy for School Librarians

  • 1. Frontline Advocacy for School Libraries: How to Add that Personalized Touch Sabrina Carnesi Virginia Learning4Life Coordinator Crittenden Middle School Newport News, Virginia sabrina.carnesi@nn.k12.v a.us
  • 2. Who is „front line‟ in the school library? All school library personnel are front line: • Certified School Librarian • Clerk • Volunteers • Technology Support Specialist(TSS) • Technology Curriculum Instructional Specialist(TCIS)
  • 3. Here‟s what we know… • Legislative advocacy needs to come from others • No one hates libraries • We can provide service & information
  • 4. To Whom do We Advocate? * Parents / School Alumni Associations / Community Members * Site administrators * Teachers * Other School Librarians • Legislators • School Board Members • Accreditation Agencies • Feeder schools (above and below) * 4 major stakeholders in a school library program – AASL, 2008
  • 5. Comfort level of advocating? “Who am I to talk to these people?” “I‟m just a clerk” “I‟m the only library person in my school – no one wants to listen to me” “I don‟t want to offend someone”
  • 6. First Step: learn how to…BRAG! • Great shameless self-promoters know that if they don‟t toot their own horn, no one will: – Brag!: The Art of Tooting your own Horn without Blowing It by Peggy Klaus (2004, ISBN - 9780446692786) – http://networkinghq.wordpress.co m/2010/02/16/how-to-brag-about- yourself-without-turning-others- off/
  • 7. Second Step: Get Organized 1. Generate a brochure or flyer to hand out to your stakeholders 2. Create promotional pitches addressed to the stakeholders using the elevator speech or the bragalogue format 3. For more professional presentations when you wish to garner help and support for your library program, organize your library data with the annual “School Libraries Count” survey or “A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners” FORWARD
  • 8. • Excerpt from California School Library Association‟s “Best Sellers” brochure that is applicable to Virginia school librarians at http://bestsellers4schoollibraries.csla.net BACK
  • 9. Sample STANDARD 4 ~ AUDIENCE: PARENTS Based on Common Belief #1 – Reading is a window to the world. I know you want your child to have a successful life. And so do I. We both believe that reading is the key to learning for life and developing new understandings. I invite your support for our afterschool book club by allowing your child to participate. (46 words) N. Silcox – Arlington City Schools November 2009 BACK
  • 10. •“School Libraries Count” is an online longitudinal survey available to the public this year from January through May of each year. •All that participates receive a printout of their individual library‟s raw data and how it compares to similar libraries throughout both the state and nation.
  • 11. BACK
  • 12. • “A Planning Guide for Empowering Learners” is a program evaluation, planning, implementation and advocacy tool that will ensure school library program planners go beyond the basics to provide goals, priorities, criteria, and general principles for establishing effective library programs. • The guide includes a revised School Library Program Assessment Rubric, a tool that allows school librarians to assess their program on 16 different sets of criteria.” • There is also an online version available which produces bar and pie graphics of your library data: • View these webinars to learn “How the assessment rubric informs your planning process,” “The planning process and getting your school community involved,” and “Using the Planning Guide with „School Libraries Count!‟ personalized results to advocate for your school library program.” http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/guidelinesandstandards/planningguide/planningguideresourc es.cfm BACK
  • 13. BACK
  • 14. BACK
  • 15. How does this work for you? • Talk to people you see every day: tell them something interesting about your job or your program. • Invite them in: don‟t make the library hands-off.
  • 16. Third Step: Show don’t Just Tell Make Your Advocacy Campaign one of Action! • Become more involved (if not already) with staff development and with the school improvement planning team! • Don‟t forget to say Thank You to all that are involved in the life of your program!
  • 17. 4 Key Messages of your Advocacy Campaign Should Be: 1. Students deserve equitable access to libraries. 2. The New Standards provide a blueprint for strong school libraries. 3. School librarians collaborate with others to provide instruction, learning strategies, and practice in using the essential learning skills needed in the 21st century. 4. Students need to develop skills in sharing knowledge and learning with others, both in face-to-face situations and through technology 5. A strong school library = a certified librarian and a full time clerk supported by substantial and consistent funding.
  • 19. Thank You for Attending!

Notas do Editor

  1. In school libraries there can be any combinations of the following: a Certified School Librarian, a Technology Support Specialist(TSS), a Technology Curriculum Instructional Specialist(TCIS), a clerk, avolunteer, or no clear staffing of the library at all. Teachers, in general have their administrators to advocate to, and librarians are the same, but there is no one definitively looking-out-to advocate for school librarians at the higher levels. We, by the nature of our educational system, have to be our own advocates….and our advocacy efforts have to center on gaining advocates FOR us because…
  2. All advocacy needs to come from others – moms/dads, students, colleague teachers and administrators. What we’re seeing around the country is that truly, no one hates libraries – ask anyone about their library and they’ll say good things. The interesting – or ironic - thing about today’s world is that libraries are disappearing because of lack of information to the right people. Our job is to get that information out to the world. So… to whom do we get this information?...
  3. All these people need to hear us - When I ask my school administrators what they needed to know in order to be able to weigh the value of libraries and fight for them, they said: they need to know what the research says about libraries and student achievement & then they need to know what THINGS we do toMake that happen: things like collaborating with our colleagues to make dynamic lessons; providing the instruction students need, and all the rest…. But, the hardest thing to do is to often get that information out there….
  4. Front line workers are often overwhelmed with the day to day of the job… or feel lower on the scale of importance in their system. But we are finding out that it’s important to be able to talk story and that story is often about ourselves and our work – people can’t know what we do unless we tell and show them. And so our first stop is to learn how to Brag…how to get that message out there.
  5. You want to learn how to brag with style and grace. This book was a great start for me. I read it 3 years ago. The author is a Fortune 500 communication consultant who teaches people the business community how to make an impact. The book is filled with advice on how to avoid the common pitfalls such as body language. In pass workshop presentations I’ve introduced the art of writing “elevator speeches” to promote your library program. Klaus calls these speeches “bragalogues” and defines them as “short enthusiastic, continually updated stories that showcase strengths and accomplishments)
  6. 1. With the school library crisis in our state on the uprise, it is highly important that we become more focused on getting the message out to our stakeholders, thus we need to become more organized in our approach with ready-made promotional pitches and handout materials. An example of how to become more organized in your advocacy campaign can be taken from the California school libraries’ “Best Sellers” campaign located on their blog at http://bestsellers4schoollibraries.csla.net. School librarians in the state of California have developed a pubic awareness campaign along with a tutorial that is housed on the blogsite:What I got mostly from viewing the site is how the school librarians and their advocates invited the public who already cares passionately about student success, technology integration and readingto bond with them in a strong community based effort to save their local school libraries. This is absolutely an example of how bragalogues / and elevator speeches can applied.
  7. Use the California school librarian’s brochure as an example of promotional material
  8. This is an example of an “elevator speech” using the Common Belief Statements from our new 21st Century Standards. For those of you who are not aware, the Common Beliefs are located on the front to pages of the new Standard’s brochure. There are nine of them. The words in pink are taken from the Common Beliefs.
  9. It works because it’s set at the comfort level of advocating: neighborhood = your friends, neighbors, people you see daily…. Invite them into your library to observe collaborative lessons, research sessions, and ongoing programs of interest.
  10. Action advocacy is all about becoming leaders – lead the curriculum committee, lead your staff in classroom learning 2.0, lead the district accreditation committee, present at content conferences, not just library conferences… and being a leader can include creating those cool programs that bring about big changes on site: “athlete as leaders and readers”; “Million Word Challenge” ; then teach it at conferences and spread the word. BRAND IT and GROW IT until it’s a yearly expectation!
  11. And finally… you’re spreading the word so that administrators, parents/community, classroom teachers and other librarians can understand four key messages…. The biggest one being that a strong school library builds strong students and lifelong learners. Anyone can join in with this kind of advocacy.