CILIP Connect Toolkit enables members to connect with their local and national government officials and ministers to raise the profile of libraries, and support sustainability in the sector.

CILIP members can now use CILIP Connect, a toolkit that helps librarians and information professionals bring libraries to the forefront of the agenda with Government, local MPs, and councillors.

The toolkit contains advice on best practice for contacting political representatives of all levels, contains a series of template letters and a breakdown of a year in parliament for strategic timing of communications.

It also contains key messages that you can integrate into your communications and letter writing for maximum impact when contacting your representatives.

It is increasingly important for information professionals to feel confident in engaging relevant national, regional, and local politicians, as well as their staff and officials.

We are working with our members to raise awareness around key issues and build strategic relationships in order to influence policy and funding. Developing effective lines of communication also helps when issues arise.

Raising the profile of Library and Knowledge services can open up new opportunities, too.

Understanding how best to engage such stakeholders is a valuable skill for every CILIP member and together with public affairs agency, Inflect, we have produced a valuable member benefit that supports members to support their sector.

CILIP Connect makes up part of CILIP’s mission put library and information skills and professional values at the heart of an equal, democratic and prosperous society.

As part of this mission, we launched the Libraries Change Lives Campaign that gathered case studies and examples of the diverse impact libraries of all sectors have on their users and communities across the country.

CILIP is also undertaking letter writing campaigns to new Members of Parliament and ministers following the 2024 general election, and launched the Libraries at Risk Monitor to track cuts to library services in councils.

Access CILIP Connect Toolkit (member only)