Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries

The Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries (CFWL) is the state level public relations (PR) and advertising campaign that seeks to promote a wider understanding of the value and importance of Wisconsin libraries. This ongoing, multi-media publicity campaign was initiated in 2006 by the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation (WLAF).

The Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries provides a collective voice on behalf of Wisconsin libraries of all types (academic, public, school, and special) to address the challenge of funding cuts, service and staffing cuts, aging collections, and deteriorating physical infrastructure taking place in the library community. This centralized state level multi-media publicity campaign benefits all libraries, but especially those with limited promotional resources. The Campaign builds on national-level efforts, such as those initiated by the American Library Association to promote libraries, efforts that are in keeping with the purpose of Wisconsin library advocacy.

The WLA Foundation’s initial financial commitment to the Campaign included hiring a public relations professional to develop campaign themes and produce print and radio public service announcements. Current financial support from the WLA Foundation to the Campaign goes to:

  • Update the public service print ads and place them in professional trade publications and newspapers throughout the state of Wisconsin
  • Produce and distribute Campaign branded promotional merchandise to raise the awareness of library issues. This merchandise is delivered free of charge to Wisconsin libraries for distribution to the general public and key decision makers in the library funding process.
  • Maintain the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries website and promote online and promotional events related to raising the awareness of libraries as essential institutions in a democratic society.
  • Promote the results of library advocacy such as the 2008 research study commissioned by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction on the economic contribution of Wisconsin public libraries to the economy of Wisconsin.[1] This study, conducted by NorthStar Economics, Inc. of Madison, Wisconsin, determined, among other significant economic findings, that tax dollars invested in Wisconsin public libraries produced a return on investment of $4.06 of library services for each $1.00 of taxpayer investment.[2]
  • Finance the cost of Campaign Action Committee (CAC) activities and programs. This ten member volunteer committee of statewide librarians and public relations professionals was commissioned by the WLA Foundation Board in early 2009 to design and implement cost-effective projects that would spotlight and promote the value of Wisconsin libraries. The most recent committee activity is Wisconsin Libraries Say Cheese! A Day in Pictures. This online promotion uses library photos posted in a flickr group to remind people in a visual way of the variety and wealth of resources, services, programs, and activities they will find at their library.

The Wisconsin Library Association Foundation has made a commitment to raise a minimum of $100,000 each year to fund the Campaign for Wisconsin Libraries. Significant funds are necessary to maintain the Campaign, which utilizes professional assistance in its planning, design and implementation. Donated funds are not used for lobbying or political advocacy. Campaign fundraising activities include recruitment of Supporting Partners, solicitation of contribution from individuals and organizations, and special events.

External links

References

  1. ↑ DPI: Economic Impact of Public Libraries Retrieved July 18, 2009
  2. ↑ The Economic Contribution of Wisconsin Public Libraries to the Economy of Wisconsin. Retrieved July 18, 2009
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