Libraries in the digital age 

Ridding ourselves of Advocacy - Laying Claim to Marketing 

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With library visits totaling 1.4 billion in 2005 and library visits increasing 61% from 1994 to 2004, why are so many in our profession concerned over the demise of the public library? Circulation of materials increased 28% in the last decade.  More and more people are walking through library doors than ever before - but why are we always fighting for funding?

It's tempting to look for scapegoats or cultural mores or lack of appreciation by the public at large. No doubt the answer to our problems must be difficult, time consuming and financially cost prohibitive. However, after reviewing statistics, viewing literature and reflecting, I have concluded that our answer lies 'Not in the stars, but in ourselves.' It may involve a culture change with one of the biggest advocacy programs for libraries, but I believe that it is necessary culture change as libraries continue to evolve in the 21st century.

Get rid of advocacy. Now.

Let's take a good look at the term advocacy.

The Ineffectiveness of Advocacy

The Effectiveness of Marketing

What about Branding

Just the Facts

Here's the Good News

What do you think when I say library

Sources

Ideas and Resources