Advocacy     Libraries and Emergent Literacy

Introduction History Brain Research Pediatric Partners Parent Education Advocacy Conclusion Site Map References William Caskey LIBR 500: Foundations of Information Technology School of Library, Archival, and Information Science University of British Columbia Last updated April 15, 2005

Educating Decision Makers In addition to the advice that children's librarians offer to parents and caregivers during storytime in the library and during outreach efforts, everyone can help influence decision makers about emergent literacy issues. With information about brain research and the importance of those first years of life, we can give politicians and administrators the information they need to make good choices. "Literally illustrated by the technology available to cognitive neuroscientists, the results become a powerful rationale for public support of public libraries." 12 You can let your voice be heard regarding United States funding for literacy initiatives via the Legislative Action page of the Reach Out and Read website. Zero to Three is a U.S. organization that promotes legislation to nurture children who are in their first three years. With a Public Policy Initiatives page that reports on policy related to early childhood issues the organization's site provides information to influence emergent literacy funding priorities. <previous      next>