Advocacy Tools for Libraries
The OLC has put together a number of tools to help you become a powerful advocate for Ohio’s public libraries.
Advocacy
2022 Advocacy Calendar (PDF)
Month-by-month calendar of advocacy activities and ideas to use at your library throughout the year.
Library Legislative Day
Grassroots advocacy event in Columbus.
Fact Sheets
- “Did You Know?” Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Digital Services available at Ohio’s Public Libraries (PDF)
- History of Library Funding in Ohio (PDF)
- FAQs about the Public Library Fund (PDF)
- Statewide ROI Report
Recent return on investment (ROI) study of Ohio’s public libraries and the economic benefit they provide to Ohio residents.
Legislative Contacts
- 134th General Assembly Legislative Directory (PDF)
- Find My Legislator – Ohio House and Senate
- General Assembly Social Media Accounts (download Excel file, tabs for Ohio House and Senate)
- Find your OLC Legislative Network contact (PDF)
- Format for Legislative Office Visit (PDF)
Tools and Templates
- Talking Points for 2022 Legislative Day (PDF)
- 2022 Library Stats Template (PDF)
- Sample News Release for Legislative Day | Word doc or PDF
- Connect with Your Library sign with space to customize (PDF)
- We love libraries sign (PDF)
- How Our Library is Funded template (PDF)
- Library Costs for eBooks graphic | PNG or PDF
- Who’s My Legislator? bookmark template (PDF)
- Social Media graphics and sample messages
Local Return on Investment Calculator
Local ROI Calculator (download Excel spreadsheet)
Within the document are four tabs:
- Instructions on how to complete the calculator
- Actual ROI Calculator
- Explanation of what the ROI figures mean and how to utilize them; and
- Notes on the pricing and cost assumptions.
NOTE: It is helpful to print the “Instructions” worksheet first and gather your information before entering the data. An instructional webinar is also available at olc.org/roi-calculator.
Social Media Graphics and Messages
Use these customizable Canva templates for social media posts. Add your library logo and replace “Your Library” with the resource or program you want to highlight (see Talking Points)
Use hashtag #OHLibraries Connect and remember to tag your legislator(s)
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Key Messages
Ohio’s Public Libraries…
- provide public access to the internet, computers and the latest technology (including mobile WiFi hotspots, iPads, laptops, and more).
- help Ohioans find jobs and provide online educational courses and tech training.
- offer literacy and homework help for children (including assistance with remote and hybrid learning).
- collaborate with private groups, food banks, and state and local government entities to help deliver local services.
- provide life-long learning opportunities and programming for all ages.
- offer personalized, one-on-one support to find unbiased and well researched information as well as community resources.
- serve as the hub for their community and a place for people to gather.
Plus, Ohio’s Public Libraries…
- have the highest library use per capita in the nation.
- quickly pivoted and adjusted their service delivery models to continue to meet the needs of their local communities during the pandemic.
- voluntarily assisted the Ohio Department of Health with efforts to distribute of COVID-19 rapid at-home test kits.
Statewide Pandemic Survey Results
- Ohio’s Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19 Crisis (PDF)
- Public Libraries Support Students, Parents, Entire Communities During Pandemic (PDF)
