Being an Effective Advocate: Basic Tips and Points on:

Talking

• Do:
  • Share how library media centers and library media specialists support and enhance:
    • classroom instruction
    • local curriculum
    • state content standards
  • Impart the role school libraries play in fostering literacy.
    • promoting reading
    • providing books
    • helping teachers find and select books for students
  • Include stories about how library media center resources and library media specialists impact and support:
    • student learning and achievement,
    • teacher instruction and continuing education,
    • administrators, and/or
    • the community.
  • Emphasize student learning by telling:
    • about teacher and library media specialists collaborations and about the meaningful integration of information skills into the curriculum
    • what information literacy is and involves,
      • problem solving and critical thinking skills
      • organizational skills
      • reading for content skills
      • technology skills
      • group process skills
      • communication skills in a variety of symbol systems
      • evaluation skills
    • why information literacy is important to the future of students, and
    • how the library media specialist and center are instrumental in teaching information literacy skills to students and teachers.
  • Share stories about how library media specialists are technology leaders in schools.
  • Include the role of library media specialists as professional development providers.
  • Include quotations from students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Rememberwhen talking about Ohio's educational standards:
    • The Operating Standards are for schools. They are the rules.
    • The Content Standards are for curriculum.
• If addressing the differences between public libraries and school libraries, speak to differences :
  • in the nature of their educational programs (type of emphasis)
  • expertise
  • experience
  • resources

Writing

• Do:
  • Write a positive and professional letter.
  • Thank the organization for past and future support.
  • Write an original letter. Avoid using a form letter.
  • Keep the letter short.
  • Share pictures of students using the library media center.
  • Include URLs for school Web resources generated by library media specialists.
  • Include quotations from students, teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Use resume type stationary, if possible.
  • Include your name, return address, and phone number.
  • Again, say thank you.
• Avoid:
  • Sending a form letter.
  • Whining.
  • Using jargon.
  • Starting the letter with statistics.
  • Sending an e-mail.

Presenting

• Do:
  • Be positive!
  • Limit length of presentation.
  • Begin presentation by giving your name.
  • If providing handouts, make sure there are enough copies.
  • Be clear - avoid using jargon.
  • Be prepared to answer questions