Review of "Advocacy for Trustees"

Review 1

Miller, Ellen G. "Advocacy ABC’s for Trustees." American Libraries. 32.8 (2001): 56-59.

Miller begins by dispelling the myth that the job of library trustee is easy. Trustees do more than attend monthly meetings and write annual reports. The author addresses the importance of the trustee’s role as library advocate. As is the case with library friends groups, trustees play an important role in the library’s grassroots support. When trustees join with library staff and patrons, elected officials pay attention to the library’s needs.

Unfortunately, few trustees have experience in lobbying for increased funding. Five barriers to advocacy and are addressed, with suggested remedies. The first concern is lack of experience. State and national organizations (i.e. RILA and ALA) offer advocacy workshops during conferences. In addition, these organizations may be available to provide training in local settings.

Some people may feel overwhelmed at the idea of "doing advocacy." In practice, when you believe in something strongly enough, advocacy comes naturally. When you talk to your neighbor about a great library program you attended at the library or have social contact with local officials, you have opportunity for advocacy, although that is not the specified intent of the interaction.