SAMPLE EDITORIAL OUTLINE
Topic: Funding for libraries must be
restored
Lead (the facts)
In 2004, libraries in Texas received $30
million less in state funds than they did in 2002.
Thesis (the stand the editorial is
taking)
The loss of this amount of funding has
devastated the state’s public, school, and academic libraries,
resulting in loss of access to information, missed economic
development opportunities, and damage to quality of life. Funding must
be restored to ensure that libraries can continue to fulfill their
important roles in their communities and the lives of Texans.
Concede (the strongest argument being
used by the opposition)
Texas legislators are being called upon
to restore or increase funding for a large number of critical issues,
including health care, public education, and social services. Some say
these issues should take precedence when it comes to restoring funding
in this legislative session.
Counter (strong argument in favor of
your stand)
Libraries are central to education and
communities. They are diverse and dynamic, reflecting and serving
their communities and stakeholders; and, they offer access to
information and opportunity for all.
Convince (stronger argument in favor
of your stand; facts and examples)
Libraries are an important tool for
educational success and economic development.
(Need facts, examples, anecdotes)
Clinch (strongest argument)
Public opinion polls have found that
two-thirds of Texans (need real data) believe having access to a
community public library is very valuable and would support increasing
taxes for public library services in their community. Or, study
after study has shown that students in schools with strong school
library programs do better on standardized tests than students without
strong libraries.
Restate thesis
Some funding for libraries must be
restored in this year’s legislative session.
Closing—vision of future, call to
action
In the past two
years, as many libraries have been forced to reduce hours and
programming and some have closed altogether, there has been an outcry
from the public. There is no doubt that Texans treasure their
libraries. Now is the time to contact your legislator and ask that
they include support for libraries on their agendas.
SAMPLE
GUEST EDITORIAL
(pdf)