Becoming an effective advocate who can clearly articulate the needs of law libraries and the legal information industry is especially important during these uncertain times. The AALL Advocacy Toolkit provides resources to help you strengthen your legislative advocacy skills and influence policy solutions to today’s legal information issues.
Know the Issues
Federal Issues
AALL advocates for legislation and regulations that support law librarians and legal information professionals, promote greater access to legal information, protect the privacy of law library users, and improve access to justice. AALL also monitors legislation related to COVID-19 and provides guidance to members about how this legislation impacts law libraries and the legal information industry. AALL’s legislative priorities include funding for the legal information industry; greater access to government information; balanced copyright laws; and privacy for library users.
State Issues
AALL provides information to help law librarians and legal information professionals advocate on state issues including funding for public law libraries, access to official online legal resources, and access to justice. AALL’s Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act (UELMA) resources page includes advocacy materials to support enactment of UELMA.
Influence Your Lawmakers
Law librarians and legal information professionals can build relationships with lawmakers and their staff through advocacy at the federal, state, and local levels.
- Master your elevator pitch to effectively deliver your message.
- Email or call the U.S. Congress on federal legislative issues.
- Host a library tour for your lawmakers. Library tours may be done virtually.
- Visit your Representative and Senators in person or virtually.
Advocacy Resources
AALL’s advocacy resources include the Washington eBulletin, the Advocates Community, and the action center. Please contact Emily Feltren, AALL’s director of government relations, with any questions.