Library Online Letter Writing

The Library of the Written Word is an international peer-reviewed book series that publishes monographs, edited volumes, source materials and bibliographies on a variety of subjects, related to the history of the book, magazines and newspapers. The series consists of three subseries, each one covering a particular period: The Manuscript World, The Handpress World, and The Industrial World.

Public library advocacy is support given to a public library for its financial and philosophical goals or needs. Most often this takes the form of monetary or material donations or campaigning to the institutions which oversee the library. Originally, library advocacy was centered on the library itself, but current trends show libraries positioning themselves to demonstrate they provide economic value to the community. Letter writing campaigns are chiefly intended to inform law makers, library officials, and citizens about the ramifications of decisions regarding public libraries and to promote library-related causes.

Letter writing has been a valuable form of communication among public library advocates. A well-timed and hand-crafted email or strategically sent letter can be a potent mechanism used to sway the decisions of elected officials and the masses. Letters are practical because they can be distributed to many individuals and can serve as representation for public library advocates who cannot attend crucial meetings or rallies.

While you may spend days perfecting your resume, remember it's the cover letter that gets read first, and it has the potential to put you either over the top or in the discard pile. Don't sell yourself short with a hurried, generic letter that makes your resume do the brunt of the work of impressing your future employer. Follow the advice in the PLA's revised Guide to Basic Cover Letter Writing to devise a document that skillfully complements your resume and, in the space of 8-1/2 x 11 inches, establishes you as a must-see interviewee.

Whether you're changing careers, re-entering the job market, or looking for your first job, this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide will show you how to:
• Create a cover letter that highlights the experience and training that make you the ideal job candidate.
• Draw from dozens of sample letters for all types of positions to construct a template that works for your needs.
• Showcase your style and personality in a way the strict format of a resume doesn't allow for.
• Grab the reader at first glance with professional quality proofreading, formatting, and printing.
• Keep your name on the short hiring list with polished post-interview follow-up correspondence.
• Take advantage of technology with electronic submissions and online job search strategies.

In today's competitive job market, the importance of a clear, concise, carefully crafted cover letter is more important than ever before. Get it right and get the job with the help of The Guide to Basic Cover Letter Writing.