Trustee Manual: Advocacy and Public Relations
Chapter 13 Advocacy and PR | Next Chapter | Previous Chapter | Table of Contents | PDF
An important role for a member of a public library board is to support the institution through advocacy. A trustee is the library's best and most credible advocate for excellence in library service. Trustees are knowledgeable about library issues and, as citizens, reflect the needs and concerns of the community. As volunteers, trustees' words hold weight with community leaders and government officials.
Advocacy
At a time when costs and demands are rising and public agencies must compete for limited resources, it is crucial that the director, the staff, and trustees work together to foster a positive public image for the library. As a board member, you believe that your library is a vital part of the community so you can honestly champion adequate funding and recognition for the library. Some key ways to be an advocate include:
- Be well informed on local, state, and national issues and proposed legislation, initiatives or referenda that may affect libraries.
- Advocate, support, defend, and speak out about library issues at board meetings or hearings as well as with citizens, government leaders, and elected officials.
- Communicate to the community on a regular basis about the library's services and long-range plans.
- Assure that the library has an effective marketing and public relations program.
Government Relationships
A library board of trustees can make an important investment in the library's future by cultivating close, cordial working relationships with key government officials. Trustees should.
- Stay current; know who the key decision-makers and influential community leaders are and how to contact them.
- Identify officials' key staff members and cultivate relationships with them.
- Add officials to the library and Friends of the Library mailing lists.
- Make personal contacts with officials by phone, personal letter or e-mail.
- Invite officials to library functions, especially those that highlight or showcase programs and services.
- Thank local officials for their support!
Public Relations
Public relations include a planned program of communication between the library and the community it serves. The purpose of public relations is to raise awareness about the role of the library in people's lives. Effective PR means using a variety of media outlets and making public presentations. Many libraries lay out a year's worth of planned activities to keep their promotions on track. Even libraries with small budgets can find creative ways to publicize their accomplishments.