Our colleagues at ACT4SL are hosting “Uncovering Candidates’ School Library Stances: How to Create Surveys that Work”, a virtual event on Tuesday, September 30, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. EDT. As library advocates, we need to know how our state and local candidates are positioning themselves on issues such as library access, literacy, reading, censorship, and more (think […]| Politics in Practice
In light of the 2023 legislative session, state school library associations should consider reframing their legislative strategies and shift focus to the pre-session or intersession period as a way to engage electeds outside of the intensity of the regular session. Education policy and funding are largely set at the state level. State school library associations […]| Politics in Practice
Post-legislative advocacy is an essential component of the education policy process, particularly when it comes to rulemaking in states. Your state school library association should anticipate involvement in implementation and rules-making as a core component of post-legislative advocacy. Being involved in rulemaking can help to mitigate the impact of a bad bill on the profession, […]| Politics in Practice
State school library associations can play a key role in shaping your state’s educational policy landscape. Your influence should stretch beyond the profession into the educational ecosystem. As the 2024 state legislative and school board primaries approach, it’s essential for state library associations to take an independent, proactive approach to pre-legislative advocacy. One useful technique […]| Politics in Practice
When a bill is considered, the testimony and messaging surrounding it can influence whether it progresses or stalls. School librarians often rely on one approach to advocacy: sharing heartfelt stories about how libraries benefit children. While these stories are impactful, they are not the only way to convey their message. In reality, there are at […]| Politics in Practice
Much of school library advocacy is built on stories. We share anecdotes about the child who discovered themselves in a book, the family who found a welcoming space, and the teacher who relied on the library for instructional support. These stories are crucial; they form the heart of our profession and inspire many of us […]| Politics in Practice
As more students take advantage of dual enrollment programs during a time when more states are adopting restrictive laws about access, academic freedom, and the right to read, we need new policy-focused partnerships between high school and academic libraries that will support student success and maintain institutional integrity.| Politics in Practice
Parents play a crucial role in the ecosystem of school libraries. Their advocacy, support, and involvement are often key to securing the budget to maintain and expand library services. Engaging parents effectively means communicating the multifaceted value of the library not just to individual students but to the entire school community.| Politics in Practice
Empower your school library advocacy through the power of social proofs. Discover how endorsements drive coalitions and funding success.| Politics in Practice
The culture, needs, and interests of schools, students, and faculty are always changing and evolving. Because of this, funding and budget allocation must be reexamined regularly. While budget reallocations can free up a lot of extra money from unnecessary spending, many worthwhile efforts are caught in the crossfire. Making annual (or even monthly) reports on […]| Politics in Practice
