Category: Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee

The group met 4-6 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships Committee continues to support the Public Library Association's Strategic Plan by advancing advocacy efforts through collaboration, relationship-building, and information sharing among members. Since advocacy has taken on renewed urgency across the library profession since 2018, the committee continues to focus strengthening PLA's role as a platform for highlighting the impact of public libraries and supporting local advocacy initiatives.

Throughout the year, committee members have worked collaboratively to exchange ideas, identify emerging advocacy opportunities, and share successful practices from their communities. Regular discussions have provided a valuable forum for members to learn from one another, explore strategic partnerships, and discuss challenges and opportunities affecting public libraries nationwide.

The committee's work aligns with PLA's strategic goal of championing the good work occurring in libraries at the local level while providing resources, connections, and support that empower library leaders and staff in their own advocacy efforts. By fostering communication and knowledge-sharing across diverse library systems, the committee helps strengthen the collective voice of public libraries and contributes to a more informed and engaged advocacy network.

In addition, the committee hosted an open Member Lounge session, Get Loud for Libraries, during the PLA Conference in Minneapolis. The session provided an informal and engaging space for conference attendees to connect, share advocacy successes and challenges, and discuss effective strategies for elevating the visibility and value of public libraries in their communities. The conversation reinforced the importance of peer learning and collaboration, enabling participants to exchange practical ideas, build new professional relationships, and strengthen their capacity to advocate for libraries at the local, state, and national levels.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
There are opportunities to further align the committee's work with PLA's strategic goals by continuing to strengthen information sharing, advocacy capacity, and strategic partnerships. Committee members have expressed a strong interest in understanding the evolving public policy and political landscape and in sharing ideas, resources, and best practices for advancing public library priorities with state and local elected officials.

At the same time, the committee has encountered challenges in identifying and navigating pathways to meaningful national partnerships that align with PLA's advocacy priorities. Continued coordination with ALA's Committee on Legislation (COL) and state library association chapters remains important to ensure consistent messaging, avoid duplication of effort, and leverage existing advocacy networks.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
As the committee moves forward, it will be important to focus on activities that produce tangible outcomes and actionable information while honoring the time and expertise contributed by committee members. Prioritizing collaborative efforts that result in practical resources, shared learning, and stronger advocacy connections will help maximize the committee's impact and support PLA's strategic objectives.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
ALA COL, ALA Chapter Relations, ALA COLA

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Thank you to the Advocacy and Strategic Partnership committee members and PLA staff for their collaboration, commitment, and willingness to share ideas and experiences. I especially appreciated the opportunity to help facilitate the Get Loud for Libraries conversation at the PLA Conference and to work alongside colleagues who are passionate about advancing advocacy for public libraries.

Submitted by Susan Hempstead on 06/10/2026

The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee collaboratively wrote a PLA online journal article about how to build advocates in simple and impactful ways. Jason Homer was a main editor and contributor though we included ideas from all committee members. This directly answers the action steps in advocacy and professional development of the SP! In July, the committee will be participating in Membership Monday to further share ideas and successes to inspire others in the important work of making advocates that partner with libraries and make us stronger and more visible in our communities.
It has been a contentious time for libraries with the new US president, so we felt that taking a positive approach to what CAN be done was best. These actions were more about telling what was possible and making library staff at all levels see it is relevant and easy to build advocates to rally around the issues that matter for public libraries.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
The goals were clear and easy to adapt to.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
The political climate continues to evolve which may direct the future work of the group.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
This committee is also engaged with the ALA Advocacy group and that tie helps us stay informed to better address needs at a national level.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Katina is amazing and helps keep us moving forward. Thank YOU!

Submitted by Jennifer Weeks on 05/30/2025

The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
Just ahead of the PLA Conference, the committee's intellectual freedom resources toolkit was published to PLA's website. This work supports PLA's advocacy and awareness goal.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
At our June meeting, the committee discussed numerous opportunities to more closely align with this goal. I anticipate the incoming Chair to continue to help raise awareness of existing resources and to collaborate with other committees within PLA to make this goal successful.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
As a committee we discussed many opportunities. I would recommend the group map out their year as part of the first meeting. This will help the committee set realistic goals that are obtainable. I would also suggest considering subcommittees that can work on projects in between larger committee meetings. I found trying to do everything as one large group slowed our progress. I believe the group is still trying to figure out the best way to be responsive to library needs in this area and establishing priorities will be work that continues into next year.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
Since this committee deals with such an important issue for libraries, I think more interaction from the Board would be helpful. Perhaps a liaison could be assigned to the committee. I also believe there are opportunities to partner with the Committee on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice as well as the Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Committee.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
Overall I was honored to have this opportunity. I thought the group was passionate and I enjoyed hearing what exciting things were happening in other parts of the country. I do wish I had more time to get more done for membership but getting the toolkit published is something that will live on past my time as chair.

Submitted by Ashley Teagle on 06/07/2024

The group met 2-3 times this reporting period.

After reviewing the current PLA Strategic Plan, please tell us:

Describe the current work of this committee and how it supports our strategic goals. Include work accomplished, decisions made, and any recommended follow-up actions.
The committee is currently focusing on ways to support public library staff who might be dealing with book challenges in their area by creating a list of Intellectual Freedom resources most beneficial to public libraries. The goal is to determine the best way to distribute this list and the best format for this type of resource list.

This project supports 3 of the current strategic goals: Advocacy, Transformation, and Professional Growth. It enables library workers and libraries to better advocate for Intellectual Freedom, recognizes the changes happening in library communities, and focuses on ensuring that all levels of library staff can access these resources and have a better understanding of how it might affect them and actions they can take.

Do you see opportunities to better align committee work with those goals?
There is likely way to integrate the strategic goal of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice by reviewing how these challenges may be different in certain areas of the country depending on demographics. Certain communities and even library staff might need more or different types of support.

What recommendations do you have for in-coming committee members? Are there particular streams of
work in progress to be carried over into the new committee year? (January–June reporting period only)
And extension of the resource list we are creating could include some sort of instructions or tool kit on how to assist libraries and library staff in creating their own list of local resources. When discussing certain areas such as training or partnerships, we realized there was a trend of "find your local [insert org here]".

There was also discussion of public libraries and emergency services which may be something to look at in the future considering increased extreme weather, etc.

What specific activities will this committee undertake over the next six months to support that alignment? (July–December reporting period only)

Are there other PLA or ALA committees whose partnership and collaboration would accelerate meeting PLA strategic goals?
The Office for Intellectual Freedom, and any other similar groups, would be useful as we do not want to repeat work already being done and want to make sure we have the most up-to-date information.

Is there anything else about your committee experience you’d like to share?
I think it's an interesting committee which has the potential to go a lot of different directions depending on what is needed.

Submitted by Maureen Langley on 06/05/2023