Here's how you can confidently advocate for library services in a professional setting.

Indeed, my experience this is a crucial step in advocating for library services. If we do not know the facts we are simply floundering and run the risk of looking unprepared and ill fit to advocate. Thus it is important to first gather all the facts and then advocate for what is needed

One thing I have found helpful is scanning the LIS environment so as to keep up with trends and innovations. Naturally this should cascade to your library services and be beneficial to your clientele.

Librarians abandoned their shy, face-behind-the-book persona years ago. Librarians are outstanding networkers. They are the ones who connect public library patrons with an array of resources in books, databases, and programs. They are the ones who acquire and curate the resources that promote academic success in schools, colleges, and universities. Whether you call it a library, media center, information commons, or something else, having an information resource and professionals who manage it are important steps for an entity to have an advantage in delivering quality and accurate resources. Library service staff are instrumental in finding sources, guaranteeing access, and making this world a better and better informed place.

One of the best ways librarians successfully advocate for the resources necessary to maintain and improve services is through the careful documentation of their success stories. This may be done through the collection of statistics, examples of how individual interactions have helped patrons, or how the library materials and physical plant enhance the community. Many libraries have Friends groups with ambitious library supporters who assist in these efforts. By working in partnership with the staff, these advocates help to expand the library's mission while offering a positive voice for how the library has personally changed their lives.

The best library leaders are those with a vision that sees beyond the predictable alternatives. In other words, they are always exploring grant opportunities, potential partnerships, ways to promote services through outreach, and other initiatives. Why? Because one less-than-supportive squeaky wheel complaining to city commissioners or other funding sources may harm them. Slightly different story, but Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis just vetoed the entire state funding for arts and culture grants ($32 million) because he objected to a single program. Libraries could be next because some politician does not feel they are doing enough to censor things the status quo wants silenced. Librarians must persistently advocate and anticipate.