"The most effective way is one to one communication. A visit is more likely to be remembered than a letter. What your neighbour tells you is more likely to be remembered than a radio ad. One to one communication is also the most time consuming, which is why having a network of library advocacy ready and willing to speak out is invaluable."

Get people on board who will be 'champions' for the library service!

Choose communication methods to suit your target audience. For example, to get a business interested in investing in a library initiative, invite them to receptions and events - maybe a "seeing is believing" visit to a sparky reading group or new library.

To get youth workers interested, invite them to a homework club or give them a private tour of the library, highlighting stock which focuses on teenage interests and issues. Show interest in their service and take the time to know how they operate, before their visit, so that you feel confident in targeting their needs.

Cultivate through involvement - ask them to judge competitions, join advisory panels.

Don't forget to include follow-up goals once contact has been made, so that you keep in touch with your targets and keep them interested and involved.

Now you have thought about all the elements of your advocacy strategy, use your notes to put together your communication plan. You can download this to save to disc or on your computer, and keep and use it as a working document - to support you as you Get Your Message Across!