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The most important function of advocacy is raising awareness of the importance of our libraries. How the public percieves our libraries can make a huge difference in functioning and support towards the library.

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Libraries can be a huge piece of a schools budget and we must show our return on investment. Making careful choices and reaching out is extremely important.

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When given a small chuck of time and a wonder opportunities librarians can say a lot to help promote their libraries. Her are some of the great ideas our classmates brought to light in their quick pitches.

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Many students thanked their administrator/contact person for an improvement they helped to make happen.

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Many students invited their contact person to see student work that they may have been a part of or helped in some way. By inviting the important figure they can come see for themselves how the library was used in a beneficial and and witness what is happening first person.

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Librarians introduced themselves and complimented the school, expressing what ways the library is working together with other forces to better the academic lives of students.

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Many mentioned something that has improved during their time in the library and expressed how they can continue to work on that adjustment (for example increased reading levels, increased circulation, makerspaces, etc.)

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Some mentioned a need of the library. They started with a positive compliment and expressed how if they could have___, do__, get ___, it would continue to increase the benefits of the media center.

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Rebecca and several others discuss how important they realized it is to promote your library and speak up about what it has available to students and teachers. A great way to do this is by inviting teachers, students, admins etc in to see what they can do there.

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Fines can act as negative advocacy for libraries. Many users get discourages by fines and may discontinue use of the library. Instead of fines librarians can work with users to promote responsibility of borrowing books without the financial burdens of fines.

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A few people, myself included, mentioned being uninformed about their school library budget. When working in a school there are times when librarians do not have control over what creates the budget or how much it allows for. In this situation we must make the best of what we do receive to most benefit the library.

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Social media can be a strong connection for librarians and their community. Social media allows for librarians to constantly promote activities, happens, and even just materials and resources available in a passive way.

Social media can also be interactive and involve users. Users can answer polls, post opinions and suggestions and answer surveys to give their input.

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As a School Library Direction is important that Margot follow up with all of the school librarians and other administration to find out their thoughts and feelings.

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Beth brought up a good idea of fundraising. When library budgets are limited there are alternative ways to bring in funding and resources. One such way is through read-a-thons. Alternate funding is also a way to involve the students and community in raising money to improve the library.

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With limited budgets several people noted that you need to pick and choose the more important and beneficial items to add, and to look into what the library does not yet own. Beth mentioned adding e-books and playaways, I would add to our online databases and try to overhaul our old nonfiction with up to date materials.  Richelle talked about adding more flexible seating options.

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Social media is also a suggestion for Athena. Switching from servicing specific classes to an entire population means building more relationships and trust with students and teachers. Social media can help Athena to reach out and in her planning. In addition to social media reaching out in person, or asking teachers and principals to come into the library can help to bridge any gaps.

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Rebecca mentioned something that I feel many of us can agree with and that is that our school libraries may need to do more in the way of advocacy. Reaching out to parents and teachers o make them aware of library resources, activities, and uses can be very beneficial to bringing in more attention.

Websites and social media can be added or updated to passively bring in more users.

Even volunteering with other departments, clubs, and activities can be beneficial. When students, parents, and teachers see the librarian around here and there it is a great and positive reminder of the library.