Personal reflection points

• ■ I would define ‘advocacy’ as …

• ■ Activities typically associated with advocacy include …

• ■ When I hear the term ‘library advocate’, I think of …

• ■ In my opinion, librarians should/shouldn't act as advocates within their communities, because …

• ■ In my view, the value of academic libraries is demonstrated by …

• ■ Advocacy in relation to information literacy and the work of academic teaching librarians involves …

• ■ Is there a difference between advocacy and promotional and outreach activities? If so, how would I articulate that difference?

Introduction: reflecting on advocacy

In this final chapter, we go beyond the institutional setting to explore the concept of advocacy for academic teaching librarians. You are encouraged to reflect on your understanding of advocacy and what it means for your work, for libraries, and for information literacy on the global stage. ‘Advocate’ has been identified as a key role for teaching librarians (ACRL, 2017); however, it is a nuanced term, and in order to see how you can develop this aspect of your professional identity, advocacy is presented here through a series of different lenses, each carrying specific implications for the librarian's role. Effective advocacy is based on the twin pillars of value and communication, which determine how you connect with your audience. Practical strategies for advocacy are discussed, along with a specific focus on writing for academic publication, which can also be considered a form of advocacy in the shape of professional storytelling.

Advocacy and libraries

Advocacy is defined in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as ‘the act or process of supporting a cause or proposal’ (Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online, 2020a). If asked about it, many of us would probably associate advocacy primarily with social justice causes – i.e. people and organisations who advocate or speak for fellow members or groups in society who are vulnerable, unrepresented, disenfranchised, powerless or trapped in some way; or in the context of more general causes, we might think of advocacy as seeking to transform societal structures as a whole and improve conditions for all citizens in a country, region or even globally.