Key Messages

Below are key messages and talking points for your use in communicating about The Campaign for America's Libraries and the value of libraries and librarians in your community.

Libraries are changing and dynamic places.

Librarians are trained experts, on the forefront of the information age. In a world that's information rich, they are information smart and help ensure a society where everyone is literate as well as “information literate.”

Libraries are places of opportunity.

Libraries are part of the American dream. They are a place for education and self-help.  And because they offer free and open access to all, they bring opportunity to all.

Libraries bring you the world. 

Libraries also help you make sense of the world.  Where else can you have access to nearly anything on the Web or in print as well as trained professional service and assistance in finding it – and interpreting it?

These messages were developed after substantial internal research among ALA members, a review of public opinion research and external research among consumers. The messages meet the following criteria:

Convey what is unique about libraries.

The messages distinguish the unique role that libraries play in our society versus that of perceived "competitors," mega-bookstores and the Internet.

Communicate about librarians as well as libraries.

The campaign's messages are designed to ensure that target audiences know that today's librarian is a well-trained, technology-savvy, information expert who can enrich the learning process of any library user — from early reader to graduate student to young Web surfer to retiring senior citizen.

Be important and relevant for both internal and external audiences.

The messages not only resonate with external audiences, but also have been — and must continue to be — embraced by the internal library community as well.

Be broad in scope and adaptable to the diversity of libraries involved in the campaign.