Internal Relationships, Advocacy & Demonstrating Value

Internal Relationships, Advocacy & Demonstrating Value
Advocacy is an important activity in the special library environment. Advocacy is about forming and building on relationships with others in your organisation, and any stakeholders of the library service. Through advocacy you will increase the perceived value of the service, create support for the library (Schacter 2008). In order for any internally-focussed promotional efforts to succeed, it is important to have buy-in from staff. Patrons who are knowledgeable about the types of resources and services available through the library are much more likely to recommend the library to others, as well as becoming champions of the library service themselves (Germano 2010; Reeves et al. 2003). Having advocates speak on behalf of the library is an effective way to communicate value (Ard 2012). Studies also suggest that increased respect for librarians is directly related to the amount of contact between librarians and faculty members (Reeves et al. 2003), so the best way to achieve status within your organisation is to get out there and actively sell yourself. It is recommended to create an outreach plan for engaging with current and potential internal clients.

Here are some promotional methods, vehicles and activities which are recommended to promote library services and collections to increase internal relationships, advocacy and to demonstrate value: