Public Speaking for Library Professionals

Advocacy is important for the future of libraries. However, some library professionals are too nervous to explain what they do and what amazing impact it has on the community. Do you have an elevator pitch ready? If you were stopped by a member of city council, could you quickly summarize the great things library professionals do each and every day? Public speaking takes time and practice. The great part is, the more you do it, the better you get. If you are too nervous for public speaking, you are missing a great opportunity to advocate for your library and deliver those important messages to the people that need to hear them the most.
ANDREA NEWLAND is a Consultant Librarian with Parkland Regional Library. She has worked in many different types of libraries since completing her MLIS from Western University in 2002. She has a passion for advocacy, change, and seeing libraries move forward.