Libraries need strong advocates, raising awareness of the importance of libraries and advocating for policies that advance the library's mission. Yet a recent study has found that a Library Advocacy Gap exists among professional librarians. In this session, learn about this research exploring: the relationship between librarians’ political self-efficacy and library advocacy participation; whether librarians believe advocacy is a professional responsibility; whether librarians engage in library advocacy activities; and if they believe LIS education and professional development opportunities prepared them to advocate. Attendees will hear about study findings and consider steps to strengthen future library advocacy efforts.
Sonya Durney
Sonya is the Scholarly Communication Research & Teaching Librarian at the University of New England. Sonya earned her MLIS from Simmons College, a BA in Political Science from Framingham State University, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Public Policy with a focus on Educational Leadership from the Muskie School at the University of Southern Maine. She is currently Vice President of the Maine Library Association and is a member of the American Library Association Policy Corps.