04/16/2025
Sign up today for this ALA "Politics & Partnerships" course if this content could help you!
(https://elearning.ala.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=225)
Today more than ever, libraries will need to rely heavily on local support and, to get it, they'll need strong communication, collaboration, and political advocacy skills. This course will help to build those abilities.
There is no single text for this course. Attendees will be asked each week to research topics and find current, relevant articles or studies that illuminate each topic. Modules will focus on:
Understanding the demography and culture of the service area, including learning about current legislative guidelines affecting the library.
Identifying key political decision-makers and influencers, local support groups and community and library leaders.
Building advocacy, negotiation, and compromise skills needed to build and work successfully with those decision-makers.
Utilizing the process, impact, and limitations of polling and campaigning in the development of advocacy action plans.
Working successfully with the media, including understanding the role of editors and editorial boards.
Helping to prepare others to participate successfully in the advocacy process.
