The V.A.L.U.E. of Advocacy

Personally, I am not one to find it easy to boast. This is a reason I enjoyed the article by Ann Martin on advocacy. The question is whether advocates are born or developed. Her overarching note is that it is developed. That means there is hope for me to develop the skills necessary to be an advocate for myself and my library program.

As a teacher librarian Martin shares similar ideas with other articles I read about being proactive in our field. This means being visible and diligent in our efforts to ensure all stakeholders know why and how the library program and certified librarians are key assets for the students achievement and schools test ratings.

"Successful librarians... provide VALUE to their schools... They Validate, Anticipate, Lead, Understand, and Educate their clientele and constituents," (Martin, 2007).

Validate: This is where we ensure that all members reap the benefits of our programming (the public/community, the district, the students, other staff, and other stakeholders) and authenticates the work completed within the library programming.

Anticipate: Keeping the student's needs at the forefront, programs are relevant and essential as the demands continually change. Maintaining up-to-date on professional development and organizations to better enhance the programming.

Lead: Incorporate stakeholders in library programming assessments as an advocacy tool to develop knowledge of best practices and "goals unify and motivate people," (Martin, 2007). Create strategic plans, document progress, and implement programs.

Understand: This is where we reach to identify the user's needs by creating an "effective vehicle" to meet those needs, (Martin, 2007). We brand ourselves through visual components and "offer connections to curriculum... that might otherwise be impossible," (Martin, 2007). Thereby establishing programming aligned with mission/vision of the school.

Educate: This is not only about the students, but more about you as the professional. The best programming starts with an educated professional, so attend conferences, go to workshops, read publications, connect with web sites. AASL is our life-line.

While being an advocate takes effort and time, it demonstrates how much VALUE we provide to our students, staff, and stakeholders. Being an advocate does not stop within our school libraries and does not happen immediately. The effort is consistent, continuous, and collaborative. The time is invaluable because you and your programming are as reports are demonstrating, the heart of what keeps students achieving 21st century skills and becoming life-long learners.