Worried about the future of Librarianship? Want to get involved at protecting and promoting your services and influencing the "decision-makers". This event may be of interest.

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Library Advocacy: Sharing and Learning from National and International Experiences 

A one day conference at CILIP, 7 Ridgmount Street, London, WC1E 7AE

Monday, 23rd May 2011

In the current climate, advocacy skills are increasingly essential in order to demonstrate the value of libraries and information professionals to society and businesses. But, do we really know what advocacy is, how can we develop our advocacy skill, and who should be advocating for libraries and LIS professionals?

This one day conference, aimed at library and information professionals in all sectors and at all levels, focuses on providing tools and sharing expertise for library advocacy in the current financial climate, while providing excellent peer networking opportunities.

Programme

09.30 - 10.00 Registration, coffee and networking

10.00 - 10.10 Opening Maria Cotera Conference Chair

10.10 - 10.40 Welcome Annie Mauger CILIP Chief Executive

CILIP is undergoing a period of major change in order to meet the outcomes of the "Defining our Professional Future" consultation which put advocacy at the top of CILIP's agenda according to members' priorities. Annie will welcome delegates to CILIP and provide an update on the latest developments on CILIP's policy and advocacy campaigns.

10.40 - 11.15 International advocacy for the world's libraries: build capacity, build better library communities 
Stuart Hamilton, Senior Policy Advisor, IFLA: the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.

One of the key elements of advocacy is action for change - change in policies, attitudes, positions and practices by particular groups, turning passive support into educated action. This usually requires a sustained effort - a campaign or advocacy programme. Stuart Hamilton, who coordinates advocacy activities across IFLA, will talk about current priority areas for global advocacy, and how IFLA is engaging influential people and collaborating with civil society
partners to gain support for IFLA's campaigns.

11.15 - 11.35 Libraries on the Agenda: IFLA's Building Strong Library Associations Programme and its advocacy module Fiona Bradley, Action for Development Through Libraries (ALP) Programme Coordinator, IFLA: the 
International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions

Building Strong Library Associations is a comprehensive programme offering a strategic and coordinated approach to capacity building and sustainability of library associations. The programme benefits associations, libraries, and their communities. The learning modules cover a wide range of topics including the role of library associations and libraries in the broader society - with particular reference to functions in advocating, educating and campaigning - and the use of marketing strategies to build associations' visibility and profile. It draws on several tools for advocacy that have been developed by different library associations and can be customised for different social, language and political situations.

11.35 - 12.00 Coffee and networking

12.00 - 12.40 Engaging with communities via the press: the German advocacy experience 
Barbara Schleihagen, Executive Director, German Library Association (dbv)

As part of their ongoing advocacy campaign, the German Library Association has managed to engage positively with journalists working for local and national press, who are now helping to portray the value of libraries and the services they offer. This interesting case study showcases successful initiatives to bring communities and
the press on board, some of which may be easily replicated in the UK.

12.40 -13.00 Questions and answers with speakers. Comments from the 
floor.

13.00 - 14.00 Hot buffet lunch and networking

14.00 - 15.00 Measuring outcomes and impact as a tool for successful advocacy 
Kathy Roddy, Library and Information Trainer. 

This session will cover:

*  The importance of understanding the difference between outputs, outcomes and impact
*  Implications for planning and monitoring and evaluation
*  Overview of tools developed for measuring outcomes.

15.00 - 15.20 Tea and networking

15.20 - 16.35 Advocacy Campaigns - panel discussion 
Chaired by Doug Knock - with Elaine Fulton, Director Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) and CILIP in Scotland (CILIPS), on Love Scottish Libraries Campaign.

In response to the economic recession many UK libraries are facing cuts to their budgets and CILIPS, the professional body for librarians in Scotland, and SLIC, the advisory council for Scotland have been working together on a national advocacy campaign aimed at the public, politicians at local and national level and other stakeholders. This includes the development of a library 'manifesto', events, DVD and the promotional website Love Scottish Libraries

and Tom Roper, Campaigner, on Voices for the Library

Tom Roper is part of the Voices for the Library team, Tom will discuss the part this new, small group, run on a shoe-string, has played in recent campaigns against cuts and closures.

16.35 - 16.45 Closing Remarks Maria Cotera Conference Chair

ILIG's training events have been awarded the CILIP Seal of recognition, which recognises high standards in the content and relevance of its training.

Learning outcomes

Improved understanding of advocacy issues relevant to Library and Information Professionals, including:

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Comprehensive understanding of what advocacy is, including an awareness of relevant advocacy campaigns operating at global, international, national and local level

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Recognition of how advocacy plays a vital role in demonstrating the value of libraries and information professionals in a changing economic and technological environment

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Awareness of the importance of collaborative working in planning and implementing efficient advocacy campaigns

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Understanding of some of the tools and attitudes required for developing effective advocacy campaigns which operate successfully in financially challenging circumstances

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Awareness of the benefit of developing advocacy skills and improved confidence to advocate effectively

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Delegate rates

ILIG members £40 + 20% VAT = £48

CILIP members £60 + 20% VAT = £72

Non CILIP members £80 + 20% VAT = £96

Unwaged £20 + 20% VAT = £24 (limited places available)

Delegate rate includes morning and afternoon refreshments and hot buffet lunch.

For further information

Contact Maria Cotera [log in to unmask] 

For bookings

Please use the link to the printable booking form [two pages] available 
on the website:
http://tinyurl.com/iligadvocacy  
or contact Doug Knock [log in to unmask] 

Booking deadline is Monday 16th May 2011.

Venue access codes

W Venue with un-stepped access via main or side door, wheelchair spaces 
and adapted toilet.

E Hearing loop system installed

G Provision for guide dogs.

For full information visit: 
http://tinyurl.com/iligadvocacy 

The International Library and Information Group is a Special Interest Group of CILIP: the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, registered charity number 313014 www.cilip.org.uk