In 2013/2013, OLA President, Michelle Burke charged the Advocacy Task Force to develop a recommendation on how OLA could more formally incorporate advocacy into its activities. Recognizing that the Library Development and Legislation Committee focuses on legislation, this effort was intended to explore non-legislative work as well as structures to support that work within OLA. Recommendations of the Task Force were presented at the February 7, 2014 OLA Executive Board meeting. Materials may be found at : http://www.olaweb.org/executive-board-meetings-documents-archive

Members of the Task Force included Michele Burke (Chair), Candice Watkins, Kim Read, Jane Corry, Nancy Sullivan, Korie Buerkle and Arlene Weible.

OLA Definition of Advocacy

Library advocacy is speaking out for libraries. It is an active and multi-pronged process that utilizes partnerships, networks of support, and marketing to raise a clear voice that advances the position of libraries. Successful library advocacy integrates the bedrock of library values into swiftly changing societal trends, highlighting the enduring importance of libraries for free and equitable access to information in a democratic society.

Collection of Advocacy Resources

OLA Unit Resources

• OASL Library Advocacy Resources
• ACRL Oregon Library Advocacy Resources
• OLA Library Development and Legislation Committee
  

General Library Advocacy Resources

• ALA Office of Library Advocacy
• Library Advocate’s Handbook (ALA)

Library Advocacy Toolkits

•  Citizens Save Libraries Power Guide - United for Libraries
• Advocating in a Tough Economy Toolkit - ALA
• Friends Groups: Critical Support for School Libraries - United for Libraries
• Advocacy, Partnership, Outreach and Marketing Toolkits - Washington State Library

Political Action Committees

• People for Oregon Libraries
• EveryLibrary

Research Studies

•  Library Impact Studies - A collection of impact studies from around the U.S. covering all types of libraries, hosted by the CT State Library
• Return on Investment Studies - A collection of studies documenting the economic impact of libraries from around the U.S. covering all types of libraries, hosted by the IL Library Association
• Pew Internet: Libraries - Focus is on usage of public libraries
• IMLS Research Reports - From the Institute of Museum and Library Service
• OCLC Reports - In depth studies as well as topical surveys on all types of libraries
• Project Information Literacy - Reports focused on information literacyStatistics and Quick Facts

Statistics and Facts

• Quotable Facts about American Libraries - ALA
• Add it Up (ALA) - Research and statistics on the impact of libraries on youth development
• Oregon Public Library Statistics - Detailed annual report of Oregon public libraries, hosted by the OR State Library
• Library Fact Sheets (ALA) - Topical collections of facts and statistics about all types of libraries
• Library Use Value Calculator - How much are your library services worth? - Hosted by the ME State Library

 Library Standards

•  ALA Standards and Guidelines - A large collection organized by type of library and/or service
• Standards for Oregon Public Libraries -From the Public Library Division of OLA, a new revision is coming soon!

Oregon Local Government

•  Guide to Oregon Counties - Includes contact information and basic county demographic data, from the Association of Oregon Counties
• Special Districts Association of Oregon - A good source for training and consulting resources for library districts
• League of Oregon Cities - A good source for contact information, statistics, training, standards
• Oregon School Directory - OR Department of Education

 Media Relations/Awareness Campaigns

• Media Relations Handbook for Libraries - ALA
• National Library Week
• Library Snapshot Day
• Geek the Library
• Banned Books Week