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Academic library advocacy includes the concept of library staff-initiated, systematic action to improve the quality of resources and services in the campus environment. The development of greater campus advocacy awareness fulfills key objectives in ACRL's Strategic Plan, including developing greater influence on higher education and developing leaders and advocates for academic libraries.
Campus advocacy is a critical component of success for today’s academic library. Library staff members need to constantly anticipate and respond to changes campus-wide. The campus also needs continual awareness about the changing role of the library and the expertise of its staff. In order to be successful, this campus-wide outreach must be a priority for all library staff members. Although there may be some variation between universities, colleges, and community colleges, campus advocacy is a paramount issue for all academic libraries.
Campus advocacy is the most successful when all library staff members are aware of how they each play a role. However, many librarians and other staff are not aware of the knowledge, skills, and strategies they can use to be successful at influencing campus dynamics. Many library staff members are not familiar with the changing structure of the campus or the way decisions are made. They may be unaware of important campus developments that relate or intersect with those of the library. Many librarians have historically worked with teaching faculty, but they may not realize that they can build on and extend these relationships beyond traditional boundaries. Librarians may also be less familiar with other campus partners’ priorities that increasingly influence campus planning, communication, and resource allocation.
For more information about library advocacy in general, see "Why Should You Advocate for Libraries?" on ALA's Issues & Advocacy website. |
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ULS Outreach & Advocacy Toolkit
