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EDUCATION — A recent open
house at my library revealed that the majority of attendees were
amazed at the goods and services now provided by their
library. It is now a community center, not just a
repository of books. Legislators need to know what
libraries do for their constituents.
COMMUNICATION — It is important to
establish personal relationships with legislators and their
staff. Input from people they have come to know is more
important to them than Robo calls or mass produced mailings.
ADVOCACY — Legislators need to
know the relative importance of programs and legislation that
come before them. Library supporters they know and trust
are the best source of constituent input.
SUMMARY — Legislators who
understand the important roles of 21st century libraries in their
home communities, and know individuals who can give them valuable
input on library issues, will do the best job of supporting the
needs of their constituents. The legislator will hopefully
become a library advocate themselves.
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