Political Advocacy for School Librarians: You Have the Power!

by Sandy Schuckett

Overview

This book provides suggestions and examples for you to become a leader on local, state, and national levels by enlisting parents, teachers, and students to improve library programs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781586831585
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	01/01/2004
Series:	Managing the 21st Century Library Media Center
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Sandy Schuckett is a school library consultant from Los Angeles, CA. Her published works include Political Advocacy for School Librarians: You Have the Power!

Editorial Reviews

This practical little book is a must-have for library media specialists, as well as district and state school library coordinators. Schuckett is a California school library media specialist who has been an active advocate on local, state, and national levels. Taking nothing for granted, she walks the novice through the political maze of library advocacy, whether the goal is convincing the superintendent of schools that librarians are essential or urging a senator in Washington, D. C. to vote in favor of a bill to aid libraries. A chapter of success stories drawn from the experiences of librarians across the country emphasizes the political power we really can have. Handy appendices include bulleted lists outlining proper etiquette for dealing with officials, a quick review of effective public speaking, a list of useful Web sites, and a sample of bargaining language librarians should be aware of in union contract negotiations. The situation in your school library needs improving? Stop complaining and start doing—and get the right people on your side by following the tips in this book. Highly Recommended.” —Library Media Connection

From the Publisher

In just over 100 pages, Schuckett motivates and explicitly details an exciting "how-to" of political lobbying at all levels-from the school site and local board all the way to the national level. She identifies the "targets" of lobbying efforts and suggests ways to build relationships with them, and gives an excellent, detailed, amusing personal example that resulted in major state legislation supporting California school libraries. Other chapters help readers refine and focus their message, offering advice on writing sound bites and statements, and suggest varied avenues for delivering it to those in power. One section is a handbook for developing a successful Legislation Day in your district or state, and colorfully chronicles a national "Legi Day." The book concludes with empowering success stories, followed by six useful appendixes, including 10 "always" tips to remember. School librarians need political clout, and Schuckett shows us how to get it.-Mary R. Hofmann, Rivera Middle School, Merced, CA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal