Advocacy (School Librarians Public Relations -- SLPR)

2008-2009 Theme: "Empower Yourself: Advocate for Learning"

• The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the stimulus legislation, has funds that could go to school libraries specifically from the Fiscal Stabilization Fund and Title I monies. This money can be used to prevent school library staffing cuts and for materials. ALA has urged librarians to make the case with their governor and legislators that these funds can be spent on school libraries even though it is not specifically spelled out in the legislation. There is also money from Enhancing Education Through Technology that can be used by school libraries for technology purchases. Hawaii's share of the Fiscal Stabilization Fund is more than $157 million; Title I more than $33 million.
  

• [ update!]

  Discussion ongoing at board meetings to increase H.A.S.L. membership by 10%.
  Our goal has been reached! H.A.S.L. currently has 178 members!
  

• Meeting held with State Librarian Richard Burns on October 14, 2008 and with Hawaii Library Association president Becky Rathgeber on November 10, 2008.

  • Purpose is to work with these individuals and their

  • organizations to collectively advocate for learning.
    Proposed joint projects: brochure for the public about
    different types of libraries; sign waving rally at State Capitol