Advocacy is an activity by an individual or group which aims to influence decisions within political, economic and social systems and institutions.
Visual images, statistics inc. graphs and speaking out are useful means of advocacy. From R23, Thing 15 examples of visual tools are:
- http://libraryatoz.org/index.php/materials/ Library A to Z, illustrations by Josh Filhol
- http://lookslikelibraryscience.com/ This is what a Librarian looks like is a website with photos of librarians and a short description of themselves. The photos and descriptions are varied, some funky and all interesting!
Success stories
Library Success stories help the public, politicians and decision-makers look favourably on Library Services. Examples of positive activities/ publications which I have been involved in or know about are: (a)Library Success Stories Day; (b)Business, Enterprise and Employment project; (c)Carnegie Trust UK leaflet.
(a)Library Success Stories Day: The Youth Library Group of the LAI coordinate the Day. In advance of the Day participants submit a a Success story from their library and a booklet is produced. On the Day participants Present and share their stories. I made a Presentation on one of these Days. I was inspired by other stories I heard. (b)Business, Enterprise and Employment project: This pilot project is currently happening in library authorities around the country. Creating an enterprise culture and jobs is a main objective for the Government. By supporting the business community, potential entrepreneurs and job-seekers libraries are supporting a main Government objective.This project is due to launch in my library in the next few weeks. Provided this project is given the resources it requires, it has the potential to be a Library Success story.
(c)The Carnegie UK Trust produced a leaflet called Speaking Volumes: the impact of public libraries on wellbeing. The leaflet shows how libraries can have a positive impact on a person's social, cultural, education and economic well being.
http://www.carnegieuktrust.org.uk/changing-minds/knowledge---culture/the-future-of-libraries/speaking-volumes
Success stories are a form of advocacy for libraries.
Advocacy campaigns
Two campaigns I know about are: Shared services and Plain English.
Shared Services is being promoted by the current government. Roscommon, Sligo and Leitrim would share Library and Fire services. There would be 1 Librarian for all counties instead of 3. Books would be purchased from a central location. Approx. 12 authorities are listed for sharing Library and Fire services with at least 1 other authority.
The Government's says it would result in a reduction in costs. Impact trade union say the listed counties will have less say in how their Library and Fire service will be run.
Impact are encouraging members to write to their local representatives highlighting the case against Shared Services. The advocacy campaign is for Library and Fire Services to retain their county status.
Plain English campaign was run by NALA recently to highlight the need for public documents to be written in simple language. This would help make public documents easy-to-understand. A petition was signed via e-mail by thousands of people and submitted to a Government Minister. I signed the petition and was part of this advocacy campaign.
Effective?
I reckon advocacy campaigns are effective for creating awareness and influencing decisions within political, economic and social systems. I agree with the Irish saying "ta neart a chur le chéile", there is strength when people work together. Individuals or a group who are interested and care about a cause have the potential to put forward a strong advocacy campaign and to affect change.
No comments:
Post a Comment