What Is Advocacy?

These definitions were developed by the AASL Advocacy Committee.

Advocacy

On-going process of building partnerships so that others will act for and with you, turning passive support into educated action for the library program.

It begins with a vision and a plan for the library program that is then matched to the agenda and priorities of stakeholders.

Public Relations (PR)

One-way communication of getting the message across:

  • who we are
  • what we do
  • when and where
  • and for whom

Marketing

A planned and sustained process to assess the customer's needs and then to select materials and services to meet those needs.

  • know the customer's needs
  • who are they?
  • what do they need?
  • when and where can we best deliver it?
  • what are you willing to pay? ($)