Grassroots library advocacy : a special report

Abstract

Library issues are community issues—it’s not enough to simply marshal internal library resources to fight cutbacks. When properly harnessed, public engagement can be the most powerful force of all for library advocacy. But rounding up advocates from the wider community and conducting a grassroots effort demands careful planning and commitment. This ALA Editions Special Report cuts through the rhetoric and gets straight to modeling a plan of action, for libraries big and small, by detailing the lessons learned during the authors’ successful campaign to save New York City libraries, instructing readers how to clarify the message, manage volunteers, and plan events, and offering public relations strategies, including advice for dealing with political leaders and the media.