Thread by @Kastrel

Next keynote, From advocacy to activism, @everylibrary, finding money to keep public libraries open.

They're American, but say austerity is similar to in the UK in terms of funding cuts. #CILIPConf18

In 2012, they asked, "do you want an org that's focused just on the money?" Library staff said "yes!" and donated money.

Who decides things about the money? Constituents and representatives. Run 82 campaigns. Eg saveschoollibrarians.org, #votelibraries 2018, the political librarians journal. Over $1bn raised so far.

72% of people believe that closing libs would negatively impact the community. Only 40% believe it would negatively impact themselves or their families.

These chaps are very good presenters. Nicely put-together talk.

They work on updating the nostalgia, activate supporters, answer people's questions.

Since 2008, more people view libraries favourably, but fewer would vote yes to fund libraries (in US, in %). Not great.

No demographics make much difference as to whether they support libraries - not even political party. Not age, gender, race, sexual orientation.

But librarians are basically progressive. So it's hard for them to speak conservative language even when they're receptive and are signing the cheques.

Whether people hold a card or use the library has NO effect on whether campaigns succeed. In either direction. #CILIPConf18

There are conspiracy theorists who use the library day after day after day and will NEVER vote for us. There are libraries in the richest areas where no one has a library card but they will fund it EVERY time.

(worth adding that in the US funding is voted on really locally. Not really true here.)

Don't need to get people to come use the librarian, need to show people what the library does. You alienate people who don't use the library but who really value its existence.

Tax money is spent on librarians as a proxy for someone's compassion for someone else. #CILIPConf18

When we say librarian, we mean anyone the public has ever believed was a librarian.

Sometimes funding for libraries are proxies for political issues or taxes.

Tax dollars are built on people's beliefs about librarians.

Identify, cultivate and energise our super-supporters. Radicalise them and get them active #CILIPConf18

Activist model - everything you do should build on what came before.

Advocacy is to speak on behalf of someone. Activism requires agency.

You need time, money, and people. Politicians care about money and people. Basically the only thing libraries can get is people. Never going to get loads of money.

Luckily people can also multiply your time and money through volunteering and donations.

Just about building supporters NOT users. Political power doesn't care.kf they have a library card or ever show up.

Strategy is accomplishing the thing, tactics are the methods.

Make your libraries go both ways, eg nationbuilder where you then tell people stuff

Divide up your audiences and learn more about them so you can target them more effectively. Building a coalition.

Work out what they value that you do.

Timing is important. Start at point of crisis. Each crisis is an opportunity to explain our values to an interested public.

The message matters. Need to show people a vision of libraries. Want to incorporate actions into the message so your supporters can take action.

#CILIPConf18 that was absolutely fascinating - thank you @everylibrary. I would be fascinated to know how this ties in with already great work done to save public UK libraries using public activism which hasn't always received much CILIP support...

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