Thing 16: Advocacy, speaking up for the profession and getting published

I think advocacy is a very important part of being a professional especially as it about convincing those outside of our libraries sphere that we do/provide helps so many people and that the skills of our community are important to us. 

In my previous role I worked with all sectors of libraries and happily advocated on behalf of each one.  I was fortunate enough to be part of many library campaigns and promotions including "Happy Days" and "Fancy that" and this year will be promoting a 2 weeks library festival.  In my current role I tend to work closer with FE libraries and some HE libraries.  This hasn't stopped my advocacy band wagon and I have helped in the development of various library promotional films (see this YouTube channel for more or visit http://library.wales.org/ )

Libraries are important but its the highly skilled, approachable and friendly staff that really make the difference!  I follow the work of Voices for the Library and I'm so impressed by what these people have achieved, it goes to show how important libraries are to a whole range of people.