Novice ​Guide

​Welcome to the world of library science! If you're new to the field, "outreach" and "advocacy" are two key activities you’ll hear about a lot. These are the ways libraries connect with their communities and champion their services. Here's what you need to know, broken down simply.

​Outreach

​This is how libraries reach out to the community to increase awareness and usage of their services.

​Getting to Know the Community

​Before planning any outreach, it's crucial to understand who you're serving. This means learning about the people in your community – what they like, need, and how they might use the library. You can find this out through surveys, analyzing community data, or just by talking to people.

​Making a Plan

​Once you know your community, set some goals. What do you want your outreach to achieve? Maybe it's more library visitors or maybe it's to inform people about a new service. With clear goals, you can create a step-by-step plan to get there.

​Working Together

​No library is an island. Form partnerships with schools, non-profits, and businesses. These relationships can help support library programs and broaden your reach.

​Spreading the Word

​Effective communication is vital. This means everything from eye-catching posters to social media posts to public service announcements. Consistency in your messaging and branding is key so that people start to recognize and trust your library's information.

​Creating Engaging Programs

​Plan library events and programs that cater to different groups' interests. After these events, always look for feedback. What did people enjoy? What could be better next time?

​Online Engagement

​A user-friendly website and active social media can make the library feel more accessible. It’s a way to engage with community members who might not walk through the library doors.

​Being Newsworthy

​Good relationships with local media can help get the word out about library events and services. Training key staff to deal with media ensures the library is well represented in interviews and reports.

​Advocacy

​This is all about actively supporting the library and ensuring it has the resources it needs to serve the community effectively.

​Building Relationships

​Keep stakeholders like city officials, community leaders, and funders in the loop about what the library is doing. Invite them to events or send regular updates about the library's impact.

​Crafting the Message

​When advocating for the library, be clear about what you're asking for and why it's important. Whether it’s more funding, policy changes, or simply for support, have a focused message.

​Equipping Advocates

​Give your staff, volunteers, and even regular library users the tools and training they need to be effective advocates. This could include information on the library's benefits to the community, or tips on speaking to officials.

​Measuring Success

​It's important to show that your efforts are making a difference. Collect data on library usage and gather stories from library users that demonstrate its value.

​Taking Action

​Get involved in library advocacy days or start a grassroots campaign to engage the community in supporting the library.

​Continual Learning

​Stay up-to-date on the best ways to reach out and stand up for your library. Attend workshops, conferences, and network with others in the field.
​Remember, outreach and advocacy are all about making connections. You're connecting the library to the community, resources to people who need them, and making sure everyone knows how awesome libraries are. Dive in, learn as you go, and don’t forget to enjoy the process!