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 Tools
2021 Advocacy Calendar (PDF)
Month-by-month calendar of advocacy activities and ideas to use at your library throughout the year.
LibraryFunding.olc.org
Latest news and OLC advocacy efforts regarding the state budget and library funding.
Ohio Library Week
Online programming and grassroots advocacy.
Talking Points
Fact Sheets
- “Did You Know?” Fact Sheet (PDF)
- Digital Services available at Ohio’s Public Libraries (PDF)
- Public Library Fund Distributions 2008-2020 (PDF)
- Public Library Fund Estimates vs. Actual (PDF)
- History of Library Funding in Ohio (PDF)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Public Library Fund
- Public Libraries and Workforce Development (PDF)
Survey Results
- April 2020: Ohio’s Public Libraries Respond to COVID-19 Crisis (PDF)
- Sept. 2020: Public Libraries Support Students, Parents, Entire Communities During Pandemic (PDF)
Legislative Contacts
- 134th General Assembly Legislative Directory (PDF)
- Legislators’ Addresses (download Excel file, tabs for Ohio House and Senate)
- 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
- Library Costs for eBooks graphic | PNG or PDF
- Who’s My Legislator? bookmark template (PDF)
- How Our Library is Funded template (PDF)
- Library Statistics template (PDF)
- Letter from the Director template | Word or PDF
Return on Investment
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 on the OLC website.
Public Libraries…
- provide public access to the internet, computers and the latest technology (including mobile WiFi hotspots, 3-D printers, 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).
- serve as the hub for their community and a place for people to gather (at a 6-foot distance, of course!).
- 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.
