Advocacy Efforts

Purpose 
The HLA Advocacy Committee is comprised of library professionals and allies working to build community support for libraries, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and advocate for a better landscape for libraries and archives in Hawaiʻi.

Resources

Why Libraries Matter Report
Libraries are one of the last free places where everyone is welcome but they are often taken for granted. Learn why libraries continue to be a thriving part of society and how libraries impact the lives of Hawaiʻi residents.

Check It Out

Candidate Surveys
The subcommittee surveyed those running in the 2022 election for their attitudes towards libraries, thoughts on library funding, and sentiment towards censorship & book banning. The plan is to continue this practice for future elections. 

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Event Recordings

• Advocating for Library & Information Professions in Hawaiʻi (August 2022)
• We Asked Questions, They Gave Answers (July 2022)

Read About Our Activities in Kolekole

• Fall 2022 issue
  • "Surveying Hawaiiʻs Candidates" by Tai Arakawa, Jade Sunouchi, and Krystal Kakimoto. Pages  7-9.
  • "Defending Tenure for Academic Librarians" by Andrew Wertheimer. Pages 14-18.
• Summer 2022 issue
  • "HLA Legislative Committee Revival" by Sharrese Castillo was released in the Summer 2022 issue. Pages 18-19.

Past Issues Related to the Field

• SB3269
• HB2449 
  
  

Being an Advocate

• ​ALA's Frontline Advocacy Toolkit
• ALA's Advocacy Library​​

Committee Members 

• Co-Chair: Krystal Kakimoto, Librarian, Chaminade University & Bishop Museum
• Co-Chair: Meera Garud, Instructor, Library and Information Science Program, UHM/HASL
• Tai Arakawa, Circulation Manager, Chaminade University
• Sharrese Castillo, Past Co-Chair
• Rachel Jacobson, LIS Graduate Student, UHM
• Brooke Jones, LIS Graduate Student, UHM
• Karen Keesing, Director, Library and Accessibility Services
• Mericia Palma Elmore, Executive Director Hawaiʻi Local SAG and Adjunct Professor, UHWO​
• Jade Sunouchi, LIS Graduate Student, UHM
• Dr. Andrew Wertheimer, LIS Associate Professor, UHM