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Start Date
3-6-2024 10:01 AM
End Date
3-6-2024 10:25 AM
Presentation Summary
In 2023, SEFLIN launched the Libraries Step-Up advocacy campaign, sponsored by SEFLIN and carried out by the Library Advocacy Committee. This initiative aimed to build bridges through partnerships with patrons across three southeast Florida counties: Broward, Martin, and Palm Beach. The campaign included academic, public, and special libraries, gathering stories to create hand-written love-letters to libraries. These personal accounts of the impact libraries have on local communities were delivered directly to elected officials at local, state, and national levels. Our presentation will share our findings, best practices, and a toolkit for others to replicate the campaign, highlighting how libraries make a difference in the communities they serve.
Presenters Bio
Rachel Perry Taylor is an experienced technical services librarian with twelve years of expertise in multi-million dollar library budgeting and acquisitions. As the Director of Library Resource Sharing at the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN), she facilitates resource sharing and consortia services for a service area of over six million patrons. Rachel is devoted to equal access to resources for all people and to providing libraries with solutions to make this possible. Outside of work, Rachel is active in social justice, developing inclusive programs and community outreach in Miami Lakes. Her research interests include the social impact of technology, advances toward equality, library advocacy, conflict resolution, and liberative theology. Rachel presents “An Absolute Necessity: A Patron’s Story” on behalf of the SEFLIN Advocacy Committee, in partnership with committee chair Meagan Albright, and directed by Brock Peoples. Meagan Albright is a Youth Services Librarian III with 18 years of focused experience on literacy and arts programming for children and families. She leads donor-funded initiatives like diverse STEAM activities and the "Read for the Fun of It" program supporting disadvantaged youth. Additionally, Meagan develops the Arts Alive program, which introduces children to music, puppetry, and dance. She has authored articles on literacy and library services for notable library associations and serves on several committees. Recognized for her creativity and dedication, Meagan has been awarded for her innovative community and educational contributions. Brock Peoples is SEFLIN's Executive Director. An experienced library administrator with expertise in strategic planning, policy development, and grant administration, he has a strong background in library cooperatives and resource-sharing models. Brock advocates for the interests of SEFLIN members at the local, state, and federal levels. He holds an MS in Library and Information Science and remains committed to promoting the value of libraries.
Keywords
Community, Partnership, Advocacy
Learning Outcomes
Advocacy, Patron Collaboration, Data Mining, Impactful Reporting
"An Absolute Necessity" - a Patron's Story
In 2023, SEFLIN launched the Libraries Step-Up advocacy campaign, sponsored by SEFLIN and carried out by the Library Advocacy Committee. This initiative aimed to build bridges through partnerships with patrons across three southeast Florida counties: Broward, Martin, and Palm Beach. The campaign included academic, public, and special libraries, gathering stories to create hand-written love-letters to libraries. These personal accounts of the impact libraries have on local communities were delivered directly to elected officials at local, state, and national levels. Our presentation will share our findings, best practices, and a toolkit for others to replicate the campaign, highlighting how libraries make a difference in the communities they serve.