The role of national associations in advocating for school libraries: The case of Indonesia

The role of national associations in advocating for school libraries: The case of Indonesia

School libraries play an important role in education. They provide resources and services that facilitate the development of students’ reading, academic achievement and lifelong learning. However, the development of libraries is sometimes given low priority due to limited resources but multiple demands in the schools. There is thus a need to advocate for school libraries so that they can be on the agenda of policy makers and administrators. National school library associations can play an important role in keeping school libraries on the agenda. In Indonesia, the two main school library associations are the Asosiasi Pekerja Informasi Sekolah Indonesia (APISI) or Indonesian Association of School Information Professionals, and the Asosiasi Tenaga Perpustakaan Sekolah Indonesia (ATPUSI) or Indonesian Association of School Library Personnel. Both associations have worked towards empowering school librarians to further develop their libraries. A short survey of a sample of members found that through the associations’ training programs, short courses, meetings and consultancies, the participants had gained greater knowledge and skills, been able to discuss common problems, and developed a network of like-minded people. The findings of the survey suggested that they valued the efforts of the associations. Four lessons learned the survey and from the management of the association are that advocacy efforts need to be action-oriented, planned and coordinated, sustained, and that they need to be subject to constant review.