Getting the word out on the street...
I am sure that many of my "Bien" readers have experiences with working with volunteers and library advocates. Those dedicated individuals that work tirelessly promoting and marketing library services by word of mouth. Our library lovers unite to boldly declare their love of our institutions by serving on the library board, becoming involved with grassroots campaigns to support and/or finance building projects, attend legislation days, and advocate, advocate, advocate. Some of these people are "the" movers and shakers in a tight knit community and their connections can can be invaluable.
An ambassador/embajador initiative is a means by which a rural public library may begin to recruit members from the local Latino community. Having that one spokesperson that can go into the community and market library services can prove beneficial in establishing community partnerships with church organizations, social groups, and related agencies. Implementing an ambassador program can also allow the library to have volunteers to serve on informal focus panels that can assist in addressing what services are needed. Ambassadors can promote library services to other Spanish speakers in the local area as well as assist with programming activities.
A profile of a "Library Ambassador" was highlighted in a March 15, 2006 Library Journal article.
As a CUNY Queens College Library Ambassador, I worked one-on-one with potential freshmen. I had the opportunity to meet new people and discuss my personal experiences as a student of the four year college. It was an enriching and effective way of meeting people, creating connections, and taking part in building a community, in that instance, the college community. For me, the experience was rewarding as I had the opportunity to talk about what I enjoyed about the college and I was able to provide recommendations based on my experiences.
What better spokesperson than someone that knows your library, knows the materials and resources available, and wants to assume an integral role in building a real community?
References:
Staff. (2006, March 15). Ambassador for libraries. Library Journal, 131(5), 30.
