ARSL Advocacy Guides

Facing down a material challenge can feel overwhelming. Patrons who approach library staff with concerns about a book they've found on your shelves often want immediate action to be taken, and can respond aggressively if they aren't satisfied with your response to their concerns. Having an established, well-documented procedure for receiving, reviewing, and responding to challenges is the best way to manage your patron's expectations around material challenges and to help your staff act with confidence should one occur. The following checklist is a great starting point for building your challenge procedures!

Download the full-size Challenge Response Mind Map

Building relationships and support for your library starts with introducing yourself to your elected officials. Remember, they are serving a lot of people, so the more positive the relationship you build the more likely the position you would like to advocate for will be remembered when it’s time for them to vote. Introduce yourself, follow up, set up a meeting when possible, and remember that a good relationship with their office staff can be an equally important bridge to build, not burn.