Monday, June 1, 2009

MLA 2009 Day 1 Legislative Challenge

After the opening session, I tried to go to Moving Reference Beyond the Desk but it was SRO out the door. Reexamining my conference program and seeing what was around, I walked into The Legislative Challenge: Library Advocacy in 2009 and Beyond. I had looked at this session originally and also recognized Natalie Edington inside so this session was it.

Most of the session was spent in discussing the MLA Legislative Panel and I learned a lot more about what our organization is doing to represent library interests. The panel includes representatives from MLA and various libraries throughout the state. They monitor legislation, give testimony, build relationships with elected officials, let the membership know what's going on and help coordinate advocacy efforts.

Denise Davis (Legislative Officer, MLA Legislative Panel) and Natalie (Assistant Legislative, Office MLA Legislative Panel) highlighted some of the items they addressed during the past legislative session most of which focused on budget cuts.

Next, Kristin Murphy and Lynne Bradley of the ALA Washington Office gave a brief overview of advocacy efforts on the national level. There wasn't a lot of time left in the session but they gave us a Checklist for Library Advocates:
  • Talk, talk, talk - keep saying it, don't hound/annoy but it takes time for messages sink in and mean something
  • Keep informed
  • Get to know your legislators & staff
  • Work on handouts, newsletters, etc.
  • Attend or host town hall meetings
  • Use in-library events - real & virtual tours
  • Lobby
  • Press events
  • Work with all types of libraries & supporters
  • Build your network - before you need it

Not always a choice of funding this or that but how to fund both

Libraries are the most efficient use of taxpayer funds $1=$3.8return (didn't write down where this study was conducted but think is was in the Midwest).

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