IFLA Management of Library Associations Section (MLAS) in collaboration with the IFLA North America Regional Division (NARD), IFLA New Professionals SIG and the Women in Information and Libraries SIG presents

IFLA MLAS Building Strong Library Associations Webinar Series— North America
Advocacy in Action: Tell Your Story, Amplify Your Impact
A Storytelling Webinar

April 29, 7:00-8:30pm ET

Description

Library associations play a critical role in supporting their members as they advocate for libraries in increasingly complex and challenging environments. In times of political, financial, and social pressures, storytelling is a vital tool that can help amplify the library’s voice and communicate its impact to stakeholders, decision-makers, and communities.

This interactive webinar, hosted by the IFLA North America Regional Division, will explore how storytelling can be used as a powerful advocacy and marketing strategy for both individual libraries and associations. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, participants will learn how to craft stories that resonate, especially when libraries face adversity or need to demonstrate their value more clearly than ever.

Whether you are a seasoned library leader, part of a new or emerging association, or simply passionate about the power of libraries, this event will equip you with tools to tell your story effectively—and support others in doing the same.

Target Audience

This webinar is open to everyone—library workers, library association members, students, advocates, and allies from all library types and career stages. Whether you’re part of a national, academic, school, public, or special library, if you want to better advocate for your library or association, this session is for you.

There is no cost to attend, and we encourage participation from multiple staff or representatives from any organization.

Learning Objectives

  • Hear authentic examples from library professionals and associations advocating for their institutions and communities in dynamic and difficult times.

  • Learn how to shape your library’s story into a clear, compelling narrative supported by meaningful evidence and outcomes.

  • Gain practical strategies for using storytelling to build support, raise awareness, and inspire action in your local and regional context.

  • Connect with peers across North America and beyond who are navigating similar advocacy challenges and opportunities.

We are pleased to feature library associations and librarians from all regions of the world in this webinar series.

Big Thanks to IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group for their significant collaboration managing zoom and the breakout rooms part of the webinar series.

The webinar will be recorded.

Speakers:

MLAS Chair: Loida Garcia-Febo

NARD Chair: Diane Koen

  1. Kimberly Silk – IFLA Impact Trainer
  2. Katherine McColgan- Manager, Administration and Programs
  3. Hilary Murphy – Branch Manager, Milliken Mills Library, Markham Public Library
  4. Amelia N. Aldred, Deputy Director, State and Local Advocacy, American Library Association