Published: April 22, 2025 by Aryn Prestia
Being a library advocate is not only a job responsibility for
anyone working in the information science profession, but an
opportunity to showcase your personal values surrounding
equitable information access. Whether as a student or a recent
graduate, it’s important to take your role as a library advocate
seriously.
Those who are unfamiliar with the benefits of libraries can very
much take them for granted. Relying on the historical trope that
libraries are “just for books,” potential users may not even know
that libraries can offer free wi-fi, assistance with job
applications, ESL classes, summer reading programs, musical
instruments, DVDs and more. There are so many resources available
that could go unnoticed if we, as information professionals, do
not take the opportunity to talk about all the things that
libraries do.
Become visible as a librarian
When you become a librarian, you by default become an advocate
for libraries. Whether you are a current student or a recent
graduate of the iSchool’s MLIS program, you are a librarian and
are uniquely positioned as one of the less
than 1% of the U.S. population to be specifically educated in
library science to talk about libraries and information
literacy. Whether in a casual setting like talking with friends,
a professional setting like getting to know colleagues, or even
discussing current reads at a family get together, any
opportunity is a good opportunity to talk about libraries and the
services they provide.
Marketing 24/7
To be prepared for these spontaneous marketing opportunities, you
can develop and practice your own “library story.” Why did you
decide to pursue your MLIS? What is your favorite memory at a
library? What are some things you wish non-librarians knew about
libraries? Thinking about these questions can help you feel more
prepared the next time someone asks you, “what do you do?”
Your answer could touch on how you’ve personally been affected by
libraries, how your work has made an impact, or even about things
you learned in a class. This kind of preparation for even a
casual conversation can also help to prepare you for any future
interviews.
You don’t have to have marketing skills or marketing knowledge in
order to be an advocate for a library – you just have to have
knowledge of why you love the library and how it makes the lives
of people and communities better.
Get Involved
Familiarize yourself with organizations supporting libraries.
Involvement in these groups can help you stay up to date with any
library bills and discourse in your state or community that may
have an impact on your professional goals. For example, every
state library organization has an advocacy arm that can help you
understand current issues in your region. The American Library
Association has a robust
advocacy toolkit for those interested in frontline
advocacy for public libraries. Finally, organizations like
EveryLibrary serve as
strong advocates for library funding and information
freedom.
While getting involved doesn’t require that you join an
established organization, it is true that you can find strength
in numbers. If you’re contemplating going to a public event where
people are addressing library issues, see if you can round up
friends or colleagues to join you. Making libraries more visible
will always be a good thing!
As you finish up your studies this semester or begin your formal
job search post-graduation, just remember that you already are a
library advocate. Take every advantage you can to talk about how
cool libraries are.
Two More Things!
Don’t forget to keep up to date with job openings on Handshake.
Also, remember that internships can be an especially valuable
part of your learning experience at the iSchool while also
helping you when it comes time to look for jobs. Learn more about
the iSchool’s internship program here,
where you can check out the INFO 294 Student Handbook as
well as the Internship Sites
database.
