[MNASIS-L] FW: [ARSL-L] New ALA Tough Economy Online Toolkit / + additional resources

[VanCura, MaryAnn]

ALA just released an important resource for libraries in hard economic
times.  


 


The "Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit" is available at
www.ala.org/tougheconomytoolkit <http://www.ala.org/tougheconomytoolkit>
. 


 


Additional resources:


Media coverage of libraries' role during the current economic crisis. 


http://www.ala.org/ala/newspresscenter/mediapresscenter/presskits/librar
iesintougheconomictimes/economy.cfm


 


A relevant past article by ALA: 


ALA: Library Funding to Help Get America Back on Track


http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/woissues/washfunding/fedfund/
Background%20-%20Stimulu.pdf

 

Minnesota media coverage of libraries' role in hard economic times can
be found at: 

http://webjunctionworks.org/mn/blog/index.php/category/library-value/

 

WebJunction pathfinder: Focus on Libraries in Tough Economic Times 

http://www.webjunction.org/home/articles/content/30406184

 

 

Mary Ann Van Cura

State Library Services

 

________________________________

From: arsl-l-bounces at bcr-lists.org [mailto:arsl-l-bounces at bcr-lists.org]
On Behalf Of Patty
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2009 11:58 AM
To: ARSL List
Subject: [ARSL-L] New ALA Tough Economy Online Toolkit

 

A free resource for library advocates.

 


Chicago --  A new web-based resource has just been released that will
help library advocates make the case for libraries during times of
economic downturn. The "Advocating in a Tough Economy" toolkit is
available at www.ala.org/tougheconomytoolkit
<http://www.ala.org/tougheconomytoolkit>  . 


 

"With city, county, state and federal budgets under increasing pressure,
we need to be making the case for libraries more than ever. All too
often, libraries are the first to receive budget cuts. Funders need to
understand the essential role that libraries play in our society and
economy, with usage up significantly, and increasing numbers of people
coming to libraries for job-related services, for access to government
assistance programs, and as a way of making their money go further."
says Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director. "The new toolkit will
arm librarians and library supporters with the facts and strategies they
need to speak out effectively for libraries in this tough economy,"


                The toolkit contains information on how to work with
decision-makers, ways to work with the media, and talking points to help
libraries articulate the role of libraries in times of economic
downturn. Talking points on the economic value of libraries, with
return-on-investment examples; libraries and the economy; and upswings
in library usage are included.  Users are also invited to share their
stories of how they have successfully advocated. Recent media coverage
of libraries is also featured. 

 

This resource is part of the "Advocacy U", ALA's new initiative geared
to providing tools, training and resources to library advocates achieve
real advocacy goals in real situations at the local level. Learn more at
www.ala.org/advocacyuniversity. 

 

                "The Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit" is also a
work in process. Updates and improvements will be implemented as new
information and new success stories become available. 

 

###

 

 

 

Marci Merola, Director

Office for Library Advocacy

American Library Association

50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611

312.280.2431; 800.545.2433, x2431

mmerola at ala.org 

Visit www.ilovelibraries.org 

 

 

 

 

-- 


Patricia Hector


Assistant System Director

Mountain Valley Library System

North Bay Cooperative Library System

North State Cooperative Library System

55 E Street

Santa Rosa, CA  95404

(707) 544-0142 ext. 103

(707) 544-8411 fax

(800) 479-6733 toll free

(800) 544-3811 fax