What to Do When Positions are Threatened

1. Talk with other district librarians. Assign research and information gathering to prepare response.
2. Talk with supervisor and/or building principal to see what his/her understanding of situation is. As a courtesy, inform and invite to any scheduled meeting of librarians for purposes of preparing.
3. Notify local education association representative and/or president and request support.
4. Notify colleagues, students, parents, volunteers as appropriate of cut or action proposed.
5. Carefully select articulate, informed, unemotional, highly-regarded spokespersons as needed
1. PTA or PTO officer
2. Family liaison (esp. Abbott districts)
3. Student volunteer or student council officer
4. District or building administrator or supervisor
6. Provide necessary resources to your advocates
1. Letters or brief presentations (See StaffTemplates)
2. Suggested Responses to Frequently Asked Questions (See StaffQuestions)
3. Handouts (brochures, fliers, etc.)
7. Inform community (stakeholders listed above) of probable impact of proposed action, and provide background information about roles and responsibilities of affected staff.

Be aware that even though advocacy at this point may not affect the outcome of this particular situation, the record of your efforts may have a positive effect on the future of the school library program.