Certified Public Library Administrator Program

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POLITICS AND NETWORKING - elective

Given the following resources are available to the candidate:

• Library's long-range plan (vision, mission, strategic plan).
  
• Access to federal, state and local initiatives and actions.
  
• Current issues analysis

The candidate is expected to:

• Identify social/political/economic issues that may affect the library, the populations it services, or its services.
• Develop relationships with people who can exercise influence in federal, state, or local decisions.
• Work effectively with key constituents.
• Work effectively with the media.
• Lobby for federal, state, and local initiatives that support the library's vision, mission, and goals.

The criteria to judge the adequacy of the performances are:

• Analysis is systematic and documented.
• Relationships support realization of library goals and objectives.
• Plans are strategic in focus and detailed in approach.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a general understanding of the strategies involved in planning for successful political action, including understanding the demography and culture of your local service area.
2. Be able to identify key players in decision making for political effectiveness.
3. Develop skills to build coalitions.
4. Be able to discern how local decisions are made.
5. Develop team planning skills with local Boards and Commissions.
6. Develop political advocacy skills.
7. Understand the process and impact of political opinion polling and campaigning.
8. Develop skills in handling the media effectively.
9. Develop skills in negotiation and compromise.
10. Develop and understand the role of lobbyists and how to use them effectively at the local, state and federal levels.
11. Gain an understanding of how to assess current local political issues, including the role of newspaper editors and editorial boards.
12. Develop political skills in working with various support groups and community leaders, which at times can have conflicting interests with Boards and Commissions.
13. Learn how to develop support groups, including recruitment, tactics and legal issues.
14. Become knowledgeable of the various governance and legal structures of Boards and Commissions and support groups.
15. Prepare useful education materials that may assist others with understanding and assessing the political process.
16. Gain knowledge of federal, state and local statutes, ordinances and resolutions and their impact on local decision-making.

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