The document discusses advocacy for tribal libraries. It defines advocacy and explains why it is important for tribal libraries. Tribal libraries serve important roles in their communities such as preserving culture and history. Advocates for tribal libraries include tribal leaders, library users, and librarians. The document provides tips for advocacy, such as using annual reports and fact sheets to share the library's story and impact. Effective communication with community members and tribal officials is key.

1. Advocacy for Tribal Libraries Sandy Littletree April 14, 2008 5 th Gathering of Arizona Tribal Libraries Salt River Tribal Library

2. What is Advocacy ?

3. Why is this important to tribal libraries ?

4. Who are library advocates?

5. How do you do it?

6. How do you do it?

7. What is Advocacy?

8. Advocacy = Public Relations + Lobbying + (Marketing and Publicity) + (Professionalism)

9. Public relations the everyday advocacy of working to provide the best library services and taking everyday opportunities to tell people about the library

10. Lobbying advocacy directed at decision-makers and politicians.

11. Getting the support you need from people who are in a position to help you and the library.

12. Getting decision makers, potential partners, and community members on the side of the library… through the messages you send on an ongoing basis.

13. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

16. Tribal libraries are special places. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

17. Educate our communities about why tribal libraries and librarians are essential in an information society. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

18. The possibilities of positive growth are endless. Why is this important to tribal libraries?

19. Decision makers may support the library in spirit, but may not realize all of the potential benefits a well-supported library would have for the community and its people. Now is the time to speak up for your library! Why is this important to tribal libraries?

20. Who are tribal library advocates?

23. How do you do it?

25. Basic Tools

26. Annual Report A basic tool for telling your library’s story, it should be brief, attractive and reinforce the library’s key message. Make sure it gets into the hands of tribal government officials, funders and other key stakeholders.

27. Business Card Don’t forget the obvious. Be sure to include the library’s URL and hours. Give it out as often as you can.

29. News Release & Public Service Announcement Start with the most important information and end with the least. Be sure to cover the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why)—and H (How).

30. Get Recognized

33. How do you do it?

34. How do you do it?

36. Start now! Don’t wait for a crisis.

37. Ahehee‘ Thank You! Sandy Littletree [email_address]