This book details effective strategies for promoting a library beyond the building level in order to make an impact with the influential individuals who make the key decisions that directly affect the school district and library program.

The recent economic climate has deeply affected library programs across the country. Many librarians are understandably concerned about budget cuts and staff positions being eliminated. In order to avoid these negative impacts, librarians must be effective advocates for their programs and reach out to the administrators and community members who can champion their cause.

Make a Big Impact @ Your School Board Meeting was inspired by the authors' experiences speaking at local and national library conferences on the topic of making presentations to school boards and forging relationships with key administrators. It became clear that many librarians are unsure how to create a comprehensive marketing plan, and are simply too busy with their day-to-day tasks to tackle this daunting project.

This book is written specifically for K–12 librarians in the field. It can also serve as an instructional tool for school library certification programs. It spotlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and leadership, teaches school librarians how to demonstrate the tremendous value of their library programs and how they directly impact student achievement, and showcases library-specific marketing techniques that can be used during good and poor economic times. By using the straightforward methods and tools provided, librarians will greatly improve their ability to avoid detrimental budget cuts to their programs.

Features
• Supplies critical marketing, outreach, and public relations tools, including a sample monthly report for the school principal and sample press releases
• Provides an extensive checklist to help librarians prepare for the night of the school board presentation
• Includes useful forms such as a customizable advocacy PowerPoint presentation accessible from the accompanying CD
• Describes useful Web 2.0 tools for advocacy and reaching the audience

Highlights
• Supplies critical marketing, outreach, and public relations tools, including a sample monthly report for the school principal and sample press releases
• Provides an extensive checklist to help librarians prepare for the night of the school board presentation
• Includes useful forms such as a customizable advocacy PowerPoint presentation accessible from the accompanying CD
• Describes useful Web 2.0 tools for advocacy and reaching the audience

Margaux DelGuidice, MLS, is school librarian at Garden City High School, NY, and children's services librarian at the Freeport Memorial Library, NY. Additionally, she is adjunct professor of academic writing and research at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, NY. DelGuidice earned her master of library science degree from St. John's University, Queens campus.

Rose Luna, MLS, is school librarian at Freeport High School, NY, and a bilingual reference librarian at the Freeport Memorial Library, NY. She received her master of library science degree from Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus, and holds a masters of school administration and supervision from Touro College, Manhattan campus.

Reviews
"This is a wonderful resource for a first year school librarian and for those of us who need an extra boost in our advocacy efforts."—Library Media Connection