Almost all of the funding for libraries is dependent on the amount of influence and power held by the library in the local political ecosystem. A wide range of tactics can be used to influence this power, but what are the underlying theories that can be applied to all of the activities performed by a library? From digital tactics like social media, websites, and email to building relationships in the community through partnerships and coalitions, these theories can be applied to every aspect of library services. In this session, we will explore the theories used by some of the best community organizers, political action committees, and politicians, and discuss how we can apply them to librarianship.

Patrick "PC" Sweeney is a 2007 San Jose School of Library and Information Sciences graduate and former Administrative Librarian and School Librarian and was Executive Director of EveryLibrary California, a statewide initiative to support library propositions. He was awarded Library Journal’s “Movers and Shakers” award in 2015 for his library advocacy work. He is co-author of “Winning Elections and Influencing Politicians for Library Funding” as well as “Before the Ballot; Building Support for Library Funding.” He was recognized with a “40 Under 40” award by the American Association of Political Consultants for his work fighting for libraries at EveryLibrary. He is a lecturer at the San Jose Information School where he teaches courses on politics and libraries. He is active across social media as PC Sweeney.

Click here to view the RCLS Code of Conduct. This program is eligible for one hour of CE credit for library staff and trustees.