The Librarian as the Candidate; or How to Run Against Your Own Library and Win
Channel: SJSU School of Information
Date: 2014-04-04

Podcast Links:


Abstract:
From the president down to local races, voters are activated by candidates they "know," not platforms or policy statements. For library elections or funding advocacy, your work as a librarian makes you the best kind of candidate. In advocacy, we tend to talk to the public, to funders, and to voters about our institutions. We need to instead introduce you, the professional librarians, as change-agents in your communities who are worth the funding.

Biography: John Chrastka
John Chrastka, founder of EveryLibrary, is a long time library trustee, supporter, and advocate. Chrastka is a former partner in AssociaDirect, a Chicago-based consultancy focused on supporting associations in membership recruitment, conference, and governance activities.  He is president of the board of trustees for the Berwyn (IL) Public Library (2006 -- present) and is a former president of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) multi-type library system. Prior to his work at AssociaDirect, he was the director for membership development at the American Library Association (ALA), the world's oldest and largest organization for librarians, library workers, supporters, and advocates. He is an active member of the American Library Association, the Illinois Library Association (ILA), and the American Political Science Association (APSA).

Biography: Patrick Sweeney
Patrick Sweeney is a tireless and innovative advocate for libraries. A 2005 graduate of the San José State University School of Library and Information Science, Sweeney works for the San Mateo County (CA) Library, managing the East Palo Alto and Portola Valley Public Libraries. He is active in the American Library Association where he is an at-large member of their governing council. As a California Library Association member, Sweeney has most recently served on their conference committee.  His library blog is well respected, and he is a sought-after speaker and presenter.  His most recent project, the Story Sailboat, works to provide library services and materials, by boat, to advocate for libraries and literacy in the San Francisco Bay Area.