Relationships matter for all organizations but how do we make sure we are able to cultivate the kinds of relationships that matter most? Throughout this session we will demonstrate how networks of power influence the community around us and help librarians understand the power structure in their community, their own networks of power, and how to put those networks to work for their library. By the end of this session attendees should have a plan for identifying individuals and organizations of influence, using power mapping and messaging to engage them and give them a role in your library that makes an impact.
This presentation was given at the Michigan Rural Library Conference. For more information about my workshops and trainings for librarians, please visit - pcsweeney.com/speaking
12. TAKE A
MOME
NT TO
ASK
YOURS
ELF:
WHY DID YOU COME TO
WORK IN A LIBRARY?
WHAT ARE YOU
PASSIONATE ABOUT IN
YOUR WORK IN THE
LIBRARY
WHAT DOES YOUR LIBRARY
DO BETTER THAN ANYONE
ELSE IN YOUR
COMMUNITY?
WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF
SOMETHING THAT THE
LIBRARY CAN DO BETTER
THAN IT’S DOING NOW?
ARE YOU WILLING TO FIGHT
FOR YOUR LIBRARY SO
THAT YOU CAN PROVIDE
20. —it is necessary to begin where the world is if we are going to change it to what
we think it should be. That means working in the system.”
SAUL
ALINS
KYguiding principle
23. FOUR STORIES
TO TELL
Stories of our successes
Stories of our failures
Stories about people that the
audience cares about
Stories that decision makers
want to hear
My failures at advocacy and my early advocacy work
This is a data backed, actionable workshop, I want you to apply the theories we talk about here to other ways that you tell the library’s story
In 1998, local government was the source of 78% of public library funding. By 2008 this percentage had risen to 82%. As of 2015, the percentage had increased further, to 86%.
You are the candidate. The library is a political cause. This is all political strategy. Not advocacy, not awareness, not libraries transform or geek the library. This is the heart and meat of politics
What is some language that we use for libraries, what are some ideas about language
AtoZ databases, donor walls, events, etc…
More methodically, chose an audience of one and work towards influencing them.
Once you have a relationship, you can start to make an ask.
Once you have a relationship, you can start to make an ask.
Pick up the phone and dial
On your first meeting be an active listener. Ask questions, take notes. Its ok if there is no ask on your first meeting. It’s about a long term relationship.
Just reach out. Don’t be shy about asking the people on your map to have coffee and meet with you