Public library advocacy: goals and tactics

A quick overview of the program:

Goal

Convince state and local budget decision-makers that the library is a sound economic investment.
Highlight the economic impact of libraries:

• Small businesses start there
• People find jobs there
• Communities form there

Message

For every $1 spent on libraries, a community sees $4 to $10 in return.
See our sources. (PDF)

Target audience

Governors, mayors, city council, and state representatives.

Media placements

Governing magazine

Tactics

12- to 18-month educational print campaign with supporting components:

• Web: Portal with information about the economic return on library investment, with links to studies, reports and more.
• Electronic: Copy for e-newsletters that lead to the Web portal.
• Grass roots: Customizable posters to use locally.

Learn more about how and why OCLC is is doing this

The ads

National: Neal Petersen

National: Maguire's Wicked

National: Gallo of Sonoma

Local: Flower merchant