Have to admit initially I was rather daunted about tackling
this thing, as I wasn’t really sure what I would have to contribute. I don’t
really feel I have done much advocating in any formal sense. I haven’t had
anything published on the subject and I certainly haven’t crossed the divide
from advocacy to activism on behalf of libraries (I have done a bit of placard
shaking when younger in defence of ducks of all things…...don’t ask!) Saying this though I do take an active
interest (as we all should) in the current state of libraries- their position
and future and one of the initial things that I wanted to gain from cpd23 was
more current awareness (and with greater knowledge I hope that I can make a
meaningful contribution with regards to advocacy). This is something I have pursued and I follow
groups such a Voices for the Library, the Library Campaign, We Need Libraries
etc. and various blogs.
However, having thought about things a bit more I suppose I
have played a small hand in advocating libraries. I sign petitions in support
of threatened libraries (for example the recent Mendham petition to save this
precious collection from dispersal) and would encourage others to follow suit
(here’s a link to this particular petition by the way, if you too would like to
sign). Also, I’m all for (as a family phrase runs) giving ‘praise where praise
is due’, offering positive feedback on the marvellous work of libraries and
librarians.
I’ve also been lucky enough to be involved in a small degree
in encouraging younger users to gain an appreciation of the fantastic resources
and opportunities which the library and glorious librarians can offer (start
them young I say…..I was hooked from a young age!) Indeed something I’m very
desirous to achieve in my career is opening people’s eyes to libraries and
archives and all that can be gained from them and their ultimate value to all.
I think something that everyone should try and do by way of
advocacy is simply using libraries and the sad fact is that in this day and age
it is a case of ‘use them or lose them’, which would be an absolute tragedy. I
for one am an avid library user and proud (quick get me a soap box!)!
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