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If you haven\u2019t seen or heard, OCLC has partnered with PLA, and the ALA Office for Library Advocacy, and recently released a report on library perceptions and support among US voters. It\u2019s called From Awareness to Funding: Voter Perceptions and Support of Public Libraries in 2018<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This new report can be compared to a similar study done by OCLC in 2008 called From Awareness to Funding: A Study of Library Support in America<\/em><\/a>. There is a free webinar,<\/a> presented by WebJunction, which presents the new research findings with comparisons to the research done 10 years earlier. These findings can help shape our advocacy efforts. Hence the hashtag: #awareness2funding !<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the new study, a majority of US voters value public libraries. That\u2019s good news! However, the study also included some disheartening news, especially in the Youth Services world. Brace yourselves\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fewer voters are likely to see the library as a resource for children. (Noooooooooooo!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report states,<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIn 2008, 71% agreed that \u201cthe library is an excellent resource for kids to get help with their homework\u201d; today, 51% agree. In 2008, 53% agreed that \u201cthe public library does an excellent job of helping prepare children for school,\u201d compared to 44% today. And, while just 24% of 2008 voters felt that \u201clibraries just aren\u2019t as important in kids\u2019 lives as they once were,\u201d 36% believe this in 2018.\u201d (Page 9 of Report<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Let this motivate all of us to step up our advocacy efforts. Spread the amazing impact of libraries as a resource for children and families!<\/p>\n\n\n\n How can we start changing these perceptions of voters immediately? Here are a few suggestions!<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Join a table or committee that your library hasn\u2019t been involved with yet! For example, an early learning coalition or STEM committee. Advocate the library\u2019s important role for children at these tables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Increase your visits to local schools, and make rich and supporting relationships with school district staff and teachers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Make relationships and partnerships with local businesses that also serve youth like transit bus systems, museums, and restaurants, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can view the full report, check out the infographic, or watch the webinar at oc.lc\/awareness2018<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n