Published: April 22, 2025 by Aryn Prestia

Being a library advocate is not only a job responsibility for anyone working in the information science profession, but an opportunity to showcase your personal values surrounding equitable information access. Whether as a student or a recent graduate, it’s important to take your role as a library advocate seriously.

Those who are unfamiliar with the benefits of libraries can very much take them for granted. Relying on the historical trope that libraries are “just for books,” potential users may not even know that libraries can offer free wi-fi, assistance with job applications, ESL classes, summer reading programs, musical instruments, DVDs and more. There are so many resources available that could go unnoticed if we, as information professionals, do not take the opportunity to talk about all the things that libraries do.

Become visible as a librarian

When you become a librarian, you by default become an advocate for libraries. Whether you are a current student or a recent graduate of the iSchool’s MLIS program, you are a librarian and are uniquely positioned as one of the less than 1% of the U.S. population to be specifically educated in library science to talk about libraries and information literacy. Whether in a casual setting like talking with friends, a professional setting like getting to know colleagues, or even discussing current reads at a family get together, any opportunity is a good opportunity to talk about libraries and the services they provide.

Marketing 24/7

To be prepared for these spontaneous marketing opportunities, you can develop and practice your own “library story.” Why did you decide to pursue your MLIS? What is your favorite memory at a library? What are some things you wish non-librarians knew about libraries? Thinking about these questions can help you feel more prepared  the next time someone asks you, “what do you do?” Your answer could touch on how you’ve personally been affected by libraries, how your work has made an impact, or even about things you learned in a class. This kind of preparation for even a casual conversation can also help to prepare you for any future interviews.

You don’t have to have marketing skills or marketing knowledge in order to be an advocate for a library – you just have to have knowledge of why you love the library and how it makes the lives of people and communities better.

Get Involved

Familiarize yourself with organizations supporting libraries. Involvement in these groups can help you stay up to date with any library bills and discourse in your state or community that may have an impact on your professional goals. For example, every state library organization has an advocacy arm that can help you understand current issues in your region. The American Library Association has a robust advocacy toolkit for those interested in frontline advocacy for public libraries. Finally, organizations like EveryLibrary serve as strong advocates for library funding and information freedom. 

While getting involved doesn’t require that you join an established organization, it is true that you can find strength in numbers. If you’re contemplating going to a public event where people are addressing library issues, see if you can round up friends or colleagues to join you. Making libraries more visible will always be a good thing! 

As you finish up your studies this semester or begin your formal job search post-graduation, just remember that you already are a library advocate. Take every advantage you can to talk about how cool libraries are.

Two More Things!

Don’t forget to keep up to date with job openings on Handshake.

Also, remember that internships can be an especially valuable part of your learning experience at the iSchool while also helping you when it comes time to look for jobs. Learn more about the iSchool’s internship program here, where you can check out the INFO 294 Student Handbook as well as the Internship Sites database.