Position Papers

Definition of Position Paper

A position paper is a short document designed for one of the following purposes:
 To state an organization's policy, position, or philosophy about a subject (called a
Position Paper)
 To pose a problem or question and then answer that question with information or a
proposed solution (called an Issue Brief)

The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue. It describes a position

on an issue and the rational for that position. The position paper is based on facts that provide a
solid foundation for your argument. 1 In the position paper you should:

• Use evidence to support your position, such as statistical evidence or dates and events.
• Validate your position with authoritative references or primary source quotations.
• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action

Why Write a Position Paper?

A position paper can serve to transfer knowledge and understanding of a particular topic,
provide information to aid in making a decision, or present a professional perspective. Often, a
position paper explains the results or conclusions resulting from some organized committee,
research collaboration, or design and development effort.
 In government, a position paper is often a policy or position paper used to explain and
implement a policy or procedure.
 In a collaborative organization, a position paper is often an issue paper used to help
develop understanding of a problem and build support and acceptance of a proposed
solution. A position paper can focus on pre-assessment (plan), assessment (execute), or
post-assessment (evaluate).
 Pre-assessment: What is XYZ and what are the benefits of it?
 Plan & execute: How can XYZ affect young adult library services? What benefits
can be expected?
 Post-assessment: How can the effectiveness of XYZ be judged? Case studies?

How to Determine if a Position Paper is Necessary and Feasible?

Ask the following questions to ensure that the topic is appropriate for a position paper:
 Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and/or uncertainty?
 Is the issue critical to the field of young adult librarianship and/or teen library services?
 Will advocating a position or highlighting an issue help you advance its mission?
 Is there enough research/evidence to support the association’s opinion?
 Once the topic is identified, research the subject to ensure that the position is well
supported. Listing the pro and con sides of the topic will help you examine your ability to

Prepared by:
Mikael Sandino T. Andrey
MT-I SHS
QSHS
 support your position, along with a list of supporting evidence for both sides. Supporting
evidence includes the following:
 Factual Knowledge - Information that is verifiable and agreed upon by almost everyone.
 Statistical Inferences - Interpretation and examples of an accumulation of facts.
 Informed Opinion - Opinion developed through research and/or expertise of the claim.
 Personal Testimony - Personal experience related by a knowledgeable party.

Consider the audience. Ask yourself the following questions:

 Who is the intended audience?
 What do they believe?
 Where do they stand on the issue?
 How are their interests involved?
 What evidence is likely to be effective with them?

Writing Your Position Paper

Choose an issue where there is a clear division of opinion and which is arguable with
facts and inductive reasoning. You may choose an issue on which you have already formed an
opinion. However, in writing about this issue you must examine your opinion of the issue
critically. Prior to writing your position paper, define and limit your issue carefully. Social issues
are complex with multiple solutions. Narrow the topic of your position paper to something that is
manageable.
Research your issue thoroughly, consulting experts and obtaining primary documents.
Consider feasibility, cost-effectiveness and political/social climate when evaluating possible
solutions and courses of action.
The following structure is typical of a position paper:

• An introduction
• Identification of the issue
• Statement of the position
• The body
• Background information
• Supporting evidence or facts
• A discussion of both sides of the issue
• A conclusion
• Suggested courses of action
• Possible solutions

The introduction should clearly identify the issue and state the author’s position. It
should be written in a way that catches the reader’s attention.

The body of the position paper may contain several paragraphs. Each paragraph should
present an idea or main concept that clarifies a portion of the position statement and is supported
by evidence or facts. Evidence can be primary source quotations, statistical data, interviews with
experts, and indisputable dates or events. Evidence should lead, through inductive reasoning, to

Prepared by:
Mikael Sandino T. Andrey
MT-I SHS
QSHS
the main concept or idea presented in the paragraph. The body may begin with some background
information and should incorporate a discussion of both sides of the issue.

The conclusion should summarize the main concepts and ideas and reinforce, without
repeating, the introduction or body of the paper. It could include suggested courses of action and
possible solutions.

References:

Tucker, K., Derelian, D., & Rouner, D. (1997). Building the case: Position papers,
backgrounders, fact sheets, and biographical sketches. In Public relations writing: An
issue-driven behavioral approach (pp.79- 85). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Axelrod, R.B., & Cooper, C.R. (1993). R. Position paper (pp.446-451). In Reading critically,
writing well: A reader and guide. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
Hansen, K. (1998). Public position papers and opinion pieces. In A rhetoric for the social
sciences: A guide to academic and professional communication (pp. 301-306). Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Kashatus, W.C. (2002). Present history: Position and local history research papers. In Past,
present and personal (pp. 46-48). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.

Prepared by:
Mikael Sandino T. Andrey
MT-I SHS
QSHS