Solutions for Rural Advocacy and Using Power Mapping as a Tool

Description

Building relationships with stakeholders at the local level is critical for librarians, especially those working in rural and small communities. One tool that can help in identifying stakeholders is power mapping. Our presenters will share their experiences with community building and working with leaders, including those with different perspectives on library services, and demonstrate ways to utilize power mapping as part of this process.  Attendees will progress through an exercise and leave with a plan for improving relationships with community leaders and members.

This ALA eLearning program is offered by the ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom and co-sponsored by the Library Freedom Project, LIttleSis, and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

About the Presenters

Moderator: Kate Laughlin is the Executive Director of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL). Kate has worked in service and management for more than 30 years, including more than 25 of those working in or with libraries on the front lines, in circulation and reference provision, branch management, continuing education, strategic planning, and association management. Kate has a passion for service excellence and the furthering of libraries and their missions. Before "going rogue" in 2007, Kate was the Staff Training Coordinator for the Seattle Public Library. Since then she has trained in and consulted with dozens of small and rural libraries locally and nationally and served as the Director for the Washington Library Association. Kate has worked with the national Association for Rural & Small Libraries since early 2018 and became its first Executive Director in January 2020.

Tyler Hahn is the Director of the Cherokee Public Library in Cherokee, Iowa, where he leads initiatives focused on digital equity, inclusive engagement, and future-ready workforce development. A 2024 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award winner from the Iowa Library Association, Tyler has expanded rural access to STEM education, built international esports partnerships for youth, and launched adult training programs in emerging technologies. He advocates for rural libraries as essential civic infrastructure—empowering communities through innovation, education, and connection.

Jennie Garner is the library director at North Liberty Library in Iowa, where she has served in a variety of roles for more than 30 years. A dedicated advocate for rural and small libraries, she served as the 2023 President of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) and continues to champion policy work, equity, and access across libraries of all sizes. Jennie is further engaged in civic participation and democracy-building through her work with the National Civic Collaboratory and the Council on Civic Strength. She also serves on a local board dedicated to advancing social justice and strengthening community well-being.

Tess Wilson (she/her) is a librarian, artist, and educator. She enjoys teaching and learning about information democracy, creative education, and environmental advocacy. Most recently, she was a co-author of an ALA United for Libraries Action Planner about building diverse library boards and contributed a chapter to ACRL's Data Literacy Cookbook. She is the Membership & Outreach Director of Library Freedom Project.

Munira Lokhandwala, Co-Executive Director of LittleSis.org. As Co-Executive Director, Munira coordinates key projects and initiatives related to LittleSis technology and their program to train aspiring power researchers, strengthen corporate research, and campaigning capacity across our social movements. She came to LittleSis and power research through power mapping decision makers and organizing work at the University of California system and with UAW 2865. She received her BA in Religious Studies from Bryn Mawr College, an MA in Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths, University of London, and an MA in Rhetoric from UC Berkeley.

About Our Co-Sponsors

Library Freedom Project is a network of values-driven librarians working together to advocate for information democracy. They provide trainings, create resources, and maintain a collaborative space for library workers to strategize, learn, and build community.

The Public Accountability Initiative—known more broadly as LittleSis—is a nonprofit public interest research organization focused on corporate and government accountability. 

As the premier organization representing rural and small libraries, ARSL recognizes the uniqueness of small and rural libraries and is committed to providing an environment that encourages excellence within this community of practice, supporting their goals of service and speaking on behalf of this important constituency.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within a day after the event ends.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.

Attendees are prohibited from using any artificial intelligence, machine learning, large language model, automated decision-making tool, or any other software or tools to record this event and from using this event to train, develop, or improve any artificial intelligence system, machine learning model, or similar automated technology. This does not preclude attendees' personal use of AI notetaking tools for accessibility purposes.