Securing Support from Decision Makers
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Many library professionals are already familiar with ongoing PR activities, such as developing newsletters and hosting regular events. Librarians and library supporters tend to be less familiar with techniques and strategies targeted specifically to decision makers. These efforts are, to a large degree, lobbying efforts.
Library stakeholders can often become intimidated by the prospect of “lobbying,” especially in relation to elected officials. And, while the tips and suggestions delineated in this section are very applicable to communicating with elected officials, the practical application is much broader. Lobbying is basically persuading, and persuading decision makers is highly specialized but important area of public relations. The contents of this section are designed to help library stakeholders successfully communicate with decision makers.
Whether you are a library foundation chairman approaching city council for an 
in the library’s budget, a school librarian approaching a principal about hiring a library clerk, or an academic library director wanting to build library interests into a university-wide distance education grants, the resources and checklists included below can help clarify and strengthen your request.
This section is organized into three main sections:
- communicating in writing
- communicating in person
- building relationships
We have also added a resource sheet for helping state employees communicate (legally!) with state elected officials.
