The document provides guidance on developing an effective position statement for a school library program. It recommends that the position statement clearly identify the problem the library solves, the specific benefits it provides, and why it is a good solution. It should also highlight what makes the library unique and how it differs from alternatives. The position statement should be short, direct, simple, highlight key benefits, and focus on student problems or needs. It should then be repeated consistently in communications to promote and advocate for the library program.

1. DEVELOPING A POSITION STATEMENT
 What pressing problem does the school library program
solve?
 What specific benefit does the school library program
deliver?
 Why is the school library program a good solution?
 What makes the school library program/school librarian
unique to solving the problem?
 Can you communicate this difference in a way that sets the
school library program apart from the alternatives?
Repeat your message everywhere - website, handouts,
parent/ teacher/administrator communications, and in your
email signature. Repetition is how you “own” a position
statement; use it to create a tag line; keep it for at least 2
years.

2. • Short, declarative, direct
(less than 12 words,
excluding the subject)
• Simple language
• Includes an important
benefit
• Addresses a problem that
is student-oriented
POSITIONING STATEMENT
The goal in positioning is to help the target audience
associate a benefit they value with the school library
program or the role of the librarian. Over time and with
repetition, you can “own” that position by consistently
communicating the idea in all your marketing/advocacy
communications.

3. Quality school
library
programs… are
essential for all
students to learn
and for teachers to
teach.
SAMPLE POSITION STATEMENT
TEST: Is it
• Short, declarative, direct (12 words or less, excluding
subject)
• Simple language
• One important benefit
• Addresses a problem that is student-oriented