Library Talking Points
The Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) worked with its members to create talking points to assist in crafting conversations with everyone from friends and family, to members of your community, to decision-makers. They are available for all library types, in an infographic format that is easy to read, share, or leave behind after meetings.
Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact
A look at the quantifiable impact of Illinois libraries, for use by library staff, board members, and community advocates.
For printed copies, contact communications@railslibraries.org.
Agencies of Impact Media Kit (ZIP archive) - collection of 11" x 17" posters and images from the Illinois Libraries: Agencies of Impact report.
Talking Points for Each Type of Library ...
Using Talking Points
It’s likely that there will never be a time when you can cover all of these points in one conversation, and not all may apply to you or your audience, specifically. Instead, choose items that work for you, the topics that will be of greatest interest to the person you are speaking with, and the talking points you are most comfortable addressing.
Don’t feel obligated to recite these talking points verbatim. Instead of memorizing, it may be more helpful to use your own words and add your own personal experience in order to make them your own and create a memorable story that will leave a lasting impression.
Finally, don’t forget to practice, among friends and colleagues and those in your library. This gets easier with repetition. The most important thing is to feel comfortable in what you are saying and to get the conversation started.