6 Steps to Advocate for Your School Library

School libraries are at the heart of student learning and success, but advocating for their value requires a strategic approach. Our popular infographic highlighted six essential steps to help build strong support for your library—now, we’re exploring further into how to put these into action. 

Whether you are aiming to secure funding, expand resources, or highlight your library’s impact, these six steps will guide you towards success. 

1. Align with School Goals

The best advocacy starts with alignment. Take time to review your schools and local authority’s mission statements to understand their priorities. Then, create a library mission statement that complements these goals. For example, if your school focuses on improving STEM education, highlight how your library provides resources, programmes, or maker spaces that support STEM learning. 

Pro Tip: Keep your library mission concise and focused—this makes it easier to communicate and align with your school community. 

2. Identify Stakeholder Needs

Your advocacy efforts will be most effective when they address the needs and priorities of your stakeholders. These could include students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Take time to listen and learn: 

• Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather insights. 
• Meet with stakeholders one-on-one to discuss their concerns. 
• Review school and community data to identify trends. 

When you show you are in tune with their needs—whether it’s improving digital literacy or creating a welcoming space for students—stakeholders are more likely to support your vision. 

3. Communicate Success Stories

Nothing captures attention like a great story. Share compelling narratives that highlight how your library has positively impacted your school community. For example: 

• A student who discovered a love of reading through a library programme. 
• A teacher who used library resources to enhance their curriculum. 
• Data that demonstrates improved academic outcomes tied to library initiatives. 

Success stories put a human face on your data and resonate emotionally with stakeholders, making your advocacy efforts more relatable and impactful. 

4. Collect Comprehensive Data

Data is one of your most powerful advocacy tools. While circulation statistics are a good start, consider collecting data that reflects the broader impact of your library: 

• Attendance at library programmes and workshops. 
• Usage of digital resources like databases and eBooks. 
• Success stories, such as students improving their grades with library support. 

Transform this data into easy-to-understand visuals or talking points for meetings and presentations. Numbers tell a compelling story when paired with real-world impact. 

5. Create Programs, Services, and Resources

Design library programs, services, and resources that directly relate to stakeholder priorities. Whether it’s literacy initiatives, digital literacy workshops, or special events, ensure that these offerings meet the needs of your community and demonstrate the library’s value.

For example:

• Host workshops to help students navigate digital resources.
• Run family reading nights to foster a culture of literacy.
• Develop targeted initiatives, such as STEM clubs or cultural heritage events, to align with school goals.

Engaging programs not only serve your community but also provide tangible examples of the library’s positive impact.

6. Leverage the Softlink School Library Survey Report 

Feedback is invaluable when it comes to advocating for your library. The Softlink School Library Survey Report is an excellent resource for gathering data on how your library supports students and staff. 

The survey provides insights into areas such as resource usage, stakeholder satisfaction, and overall library impact. Use these findings to: 

• Identify strengths and areas for improvement. 
• Present clear evidence to school leadership. 
• Shape your future advocacy efforts with data-backed decisions. 

Participating in the survey shows your commitment to continuous improvement and strengthens your case for support. 

Turning Advocacy into Action 

Advocating for your school library is about more than promoting resources—it is about showing your library’s indispensable role in student success. By following these six steps, you can create a focused, data-driven advocacy plan that resonates with your school community and secures lasting support. 

Ready to start? 

Download the Softlink School Library Survey Report to gather the insights you need for powerful advocacy. Together, we can ensure school libraries remain the cornerstone of learning!