CILIP Connect - Building positive relationships with political representatives
The CILIP Connect Toolkit is a CILIP member benefit that offers resources, key messages and guidance with the aim of supporting librarians of all sectors to contact the national government, local MPs, members of the House of Lords, devolved
members, Metro Mayors, local authority councillors, and officials.
The toolkit is designed on the premise you will always start by involving relevant colleagues in such plans, supporting you to work with key people such as your manager and your communications team, to engage relevant national, regional, and local
politicians, as well as their staff and officials.
This can 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 to keep practicing and improving.