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Ad Lib: Advocacy for Libraries

January 31, 2007

Reason, Value, and Importance

We all hope it never happens, but inevitably it’s going to: you’re meeting with someone—maybe from your legislator’s office—and they ask you, “In the age of the Internet, why do we still need libraries?” We’ve all heard the question from someone, and we all have an answer or two ready (or at least, we do after the first time).

But why stop at one or two answers? DegreeTutor.com gives us 33 Reasons Why Libraries and Librarians are Extremely Important. These are more than just a good defense; they’re good talking points to have on hand when you’re selling the value of libraries. Look at these, for example:

3. The internet isn’t free
While Project Gutenberg boasts 20,000 free, downloadable eBooks on its homepage, we are promptly reminded that these books are only accessible because they are no longer in copyright.

And books are just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous academic research papers, journals and other important materials are virtually inaccessible to someone seeking to pull them off the web for free. Rather, access is restricted to expensive subscription accounts, which are typically paid for by libraries. Visiting the library in person, or logging in to the library through your member account, is therefore the only way to affordably access necessary archived resources.

5. School Libraries and Librarians Improve Student Test Scores
A 2005 study of the Illinois School Libraries shows that students who frequently visit well-stocked and well-staffed school libraries end up with higher ACT scores and perform better on reading and writing exams.

Interestingly, the study points out that access digital technology plays a strong role in test results, noting that “high schools with computers that connect to library catalogs and databases average 6.2% improvement on ACT scores”.

And there are plenty more (31 more, to be precise) where that came from. Give it a look, take notes, and keep it on hand the next time you meet with a decision maker.

(Thanks to librarian.net for the link.)

posted by Alan at 9:23 am |

1 Comment »

1. Comment by Kathy Caudill, January 31, 2007 @ 9:52 am

   
   

   What a great list from DegreeTutor.com! This definitely provides great information for advocacy opportunities with legislators, patrons, business owners, with ALL possible stakeholders for libraries. Thanks for bringing this to our attention, Alan.

   
   

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