​Cheat Sheet

Outreach and Advocacy in libraries is about promoting library services and resources to the community and stakeholders. It's about creating awareness and building relationships that foster support for the library's role and services. Here’s a guide to help you understand and engage in effective outreach and advocacy.

​Understanding Outreach and Advocacy

  • Outreach: Involves active engagement with the community to increase awareness and use of library services.
  • Advocacy: Refers to the actions taken to create support for the library among stakeholders and decision-makers.

​Key Components

  1. Community Analysis: Understand the community's demographics, needs, interests, and how the library can serve them.
  2. Strategic Planning: Develop a plan that aligns outreach and advocacy activities with the library's goals.
  3. Collaborative Partnerships: Build partnerships with organizations, schools, local businesses, and other libraries.
  4. Communication: Create clear, compelling messages about the value and impact of the library's services.
  5. Programs and Events: Design programs and events that reach different community segments.
  6. Library Branding: Create a strong, consistent library brand that resonates with the community.
  7. Digital Presence: Utilize the library's website, social media, and online marketing to reach a broader audience.
  8. Media Relations: Develop relationships with local media to get coverage of library programs and services.
  9. Stakeholder Engagement: Identify and engage stakeholders, including funders, policymakers, and community leaders.
  10. Advocacy Campaigns: Organize campaigns to secure funding, influence policy, or raise public awareness.

​Tools and Resources

  • Marketing Materials: Flyers, newsletters, annual reports, and press releases.
  • Social Media Platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more for real-time engagement.
  • Advocacy Kits: Prepared by library associations, containing key messages, statistics, and impact stories.
  • Community Surveys: To gather feedback and assess the community's needs.

​Best Practices

  • Listen and Adapt: Be responsive to community feedback and adapt services and outreach accordingly.
  • Tell Impactful Stories: Use real stories about how the library changes lives to create emotional connections.
  • Empower and Train Staff: Ensure that all staff members are prepared to participate in outreach and advocacy.
  • Evaluate and Reflect: Regularly assess the effectiveness of your outreach and advocacy efforts.

​Common Challenges

  • Resource Limitations: Finding the time, money, and personnel for outreach and advocacy.
  • Visibility: Competing for attention in a landscape crowded with information and entertainment options.
  • Perception: Overcoming outdated perceptions of libraries and librarians.

​Advocacy Actions

  • Meet with Decision-Makers: Regularly meet with local officials and stakeholders to discuss the library’s impact.
  • Lobby for Support: Engage in lobbying activities where permissible to advocate for policies and funding.
  • Public Speaking: Take opportunities to speak about the library at community events.

​Professional Development

  • Workshops and Webinars: Attend professional development focused on marketing, communication, and advocacy.
  • Conferences: Participate in library and related conferences to network and learn from peers.
​Outreach and advocacy are critical for sustaining and growing the relevance and impact of libraries in their communities. It's about building connections, demonstrating value, and engaging people in a dialogue about how the library meets their needs and aspirations. Whether you're advocating for more resources or trying to reach a new audience, these activities are vital for a thriving library service.