Advocate for intellectual freedom, public policies, laws, organization, and resources that promote and support an informed democratic society.

5.1 Information Policy: Assess the potential impacts of policy and laws on the ability of libraries and information organizations to fulfull their missions

5.2 Current Trends: Evaluate trends and issues impacting libraries and information organizations (awareness is lowest level, analyze impact, advocate for decisions, create response, plan to address issue/trend)

5.3 Advocacy: Advocate for your organization and the Library and Information Science Professions

5.4 Evaluate the roles professional associations play in collective advocacy

5.5 Advocate for equity and access for your community: Particularly for historically marginalized groups to overcome existing power structures.

Access to information is never guaranteed. Policies, funding decisions, and social priorities influence who is able to access information, technology, and learning opportunities. Critical information literacy recognizes that information systems are shaped by social and political forces and calls on library professionals to address inequities in access to information. Gaps in access create barriers that limit people’s ability to learn, find and evaluate information, use technology, and participate fully in their communities. Librarians play an important role in helping reduce these barriers, but they can only do so when they are supported by advocacy, informed policy decisions, and professional collaboration. Maintaining awareness of issues affecting libraries and advocating for equitable access strengthens the ability of librarians to help individuals build confidence, develop skills, and participate more fully in society.

For my professional reading presentation (LIS 650), I analyzed the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) listserv and blog to understand how federal policy decisions and funding structures influence libraries’ ability to provide equitable access to technology and information (5.1). I examined how changes to broadband funding, the Digital Equity Act, and Digital Navigator programs affect whether communities can access internet service, devices, and digital skills support (5.1, 5.2). I also evaluated how NDIA, as a national advocacy organization, informs library professionals about policy developments and encourages collective action to address barriers to digital access (5.4). By connecting policy changes to real impacts on library services, I highlighted how librarians must remain informed about evolving issues affecting digital inclusion and be prepared to advocate for equitable technology access for underserved populations (5.2, 5.3, 5.5).

For my EDIA poster presentation (LIS 620), I evaluated how a community college library supports multilingual learners by analyzing the accessibility, language inclusivity, and representation reflected in its website, catalog, and outreach. I examined tools such as the language toggle, accessibility features, mobile usability, and catalog filters to determine how easily Spanish-speaking students can locate and use library resources. I also reviewed the availability of Spanish-language fiction within a collection of more than 41,000 titles and considered how communication practices, including social media and staff visibility, may affect students’ sense of belonging and access. Based on these findings, I identified practical ways to improve visibility of Spanish-language materials, increase representation in the collection, and strengthen outreach to multilingual learners. This demonstrates how librarians evaluate current issues related to accessibility and language equity and advocate for more inclusive services that support equitable access to information (5.2, 5.3, 5.5). This project shows how decisions about website design, catalog structure, and communication influence the ability of multilingual learners to find and use resources. This demonstrates that institutional decisions can either reduce barriers or unintentionally create them (5.1). Professional organizations such as the American Library Association and the American Association of School Librarians support equitable access by promoting shared values related to diversity and inclusive library services (ALA, 2017). Their guidance strengthens local advocacy efforts for multilingual learners and historically marginalized communities (5.4).

My managerial interview for LIS 650 focused on current trends (5.2), advocacy (5.3), and equity of access (5.5). The interview examined how funding instability, political influence, and uneven resource distribution impact the ability of rural libraries to provide consistent services (5.2). It highlights the ongoing need for library leaders to advocate for financial support, staffing, and community partnerships in order to sustain services across multiple counties (5.3). The discussion also recognizes how differences in local funding create inequities in access to library services for smaller or less affluent communities (5.5). Consideration of governance structures and grant restrictions demonstrates awareness of how policy decisions influence library operations and service capacity (5.1).

Advocacy and policy awareness strengthen the ability of libraries to provide equitable access to information and respond to changing community needs. As I move forward in my career, I will stay informed about policies and issues that affect access to information and technology, and I will advocate for resources, services, and practices that support equitable access for all learners. In a school setting, this will include promoting inclusive collections, supporting digital access, and working with educators and leaders to ensure all students have access to the resources and support they need.

References: 

ALA (2017). Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging: An interpretation of the library bill of rights. ALA. https://www.ala.org/advocacy/intfreedom/librarybill/interpretations/EDI?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Tewell, E. (2025, April). Two Decades of Critical Information Literacy: A review of the literature. ACRL 2025. [PDF] https://www.ala.org/sites/default/files/2025-03/TwoDecadesofCriticalInformationLiteracy.pdf