Be the change. Advocating on every level.

Following librarian-inspired blogs can be inspirational for working librarians in the blogosphere. With so many energetic ideas and conversation starters about transliteracy and how to incorporate it in libraries, it’s too enticing to pass up. This dynamic can be a tricky one to mimic though. For the unemployed, librarians in different institutions, or those that fall short of having decision-making power, where do they fit in?

How I became a library advocate

When budget cuts and freezing jobs at hand did not stop me from the overall picture of learning to fundraise for libraries, some thought I was insane). I on the other hand thought it was a great idea, and knew I had to follow my gut instinct. Libraries nationwide need it, and librarians need to have that skill. So on I went.

Down this road I started reading blogs from Ned Potter, Bobbi Newman, David Lee King and the authors of Libraries & Transliteracy. I eventually felt helpless, thinking there’s no way I could do anything to help pave the way for libraries, but in time I realized how absurd that sounded. There’s plenty a person can do. Especially a librarian. From the Libraries & Transliteracy blog--the following is etched in my mind:

Make your library a place that....

Encourages conversation
-Invites participation
-Provides creative outlets
-Embraces alternative learning styles
-Tells stories

Starting something new

With this surfacing each day on my bulletin board at work, it was only a matter of time before the universe threw me a loop where I became inspired to start my very own book club and story corner at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids. Telling stories and conveying book themes through collage, video, posters, and artwork hits home for these kids. They’re conversing, participating, being creative, and telling stories in so many ways. What’s the different between the face of a new kind of library and a place for imagination? They’re the same if I might say so.

Even so, I love what I do-I get to raise money so these kids can have better programs--a better “library” so-to-speak, where they can be creative with books and technology, get off the streets, and teach each other something new. They absolutely love going to the library, and are begging me to take them. Let’s teach them something new!

Look at libraries with new perspective

Overall, not working in a library is the perfect opportunity (and excuse) to look at it from the users perspective. Granted, if you work at a library you should know your user community, but sadly, some don’t.

Today I had to return a few things at the local library and wondered how many librarians are on board with transliteracy. How many librarians (and libraries) in the community have banded together to change the face of who walks through the doors and for what purpose. And finally, how many librarians have reached out to people after their 9-5 or whatever is done?

Say something

Analyzing libraries from a new perspective really has taught me how to speak up and advocate for my favorite place in the community. Word-of-mouth is okay, but even more has to be done. Here's a few things we can do:

-Write a letter to the editor,
-Start an advocacy committee
-Communicate with key officials
-Vote
-Keep informed about funding, censorship, internet filtering, and information literacy
-Educate others

Be positive.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."Mahatma Gandhi


@shten