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Speak Up for Your Library—Program Explanation

Introduction

We created the SCLS Advocacy list as a means of communicating with library patrons and mobilizing them on behalf of their local library, and libraries across the system and state.

The current list is a reincarnation of an SCLS effort that began several years ago, and through a coordinated campaign that began in November 2004 the list now contains the names of more than 1,300 library patrons.

Our primary goal is to educate patrons about the value and impact of the public library in their community, and in turn to build a base of support that can be called up when the need arises. Toward this end, we try to send list members one brief email each month with information about the importance and value of libraries. It might be some systemwide statistic from the annual report, or it might be a quote about libraries. This monthly email is important for two reasons: first, it lets us educate list members about the value of libraries; and second, it lets us know the condition of our list. There is nothing worse than needing patrons to reach out, only to learn that a good number of the emails are no longer valid.

We believe it is important to arm these patrons with information they can use to start talking about the library in their community, which in turn expands the base of support. We know that libraries have direct, positive impact on the lives of patrons, and through this campaign we are turning that goodwill into action.

In November 2004 we sent a memo to all library directors explaining our renewed effort to create and maintain such a patron database. We provided yellow “Speak Up” cards, posters, and boxes to collect the cards. Each library received one box, but more were available for those that wanted (or needed) to place boxes at multiple points. The original card asked only for the name, address, and email address of the patron, but a new card is being printed that also asks for the library name and the names of the patrons’ state senator and state representative.

To remind libraries about the need to promote the campaign, we have included regular articles in our online newsletter, and have offered more cards, posters, and boxes.

For more information about marketing and public relations, contact Mark Ibach.

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