[Publib] Library lobbyist concept

[James Casey]

Christine is right about the need to be careful to avoid the use of tax
dollars for lobbying efforts.  I also know of cases where money raised
by a Friends of the Library or Foundation (501c3) could not be used to
promote a Library referendum or lobbying effort.   Money donated for
charitable purposes and tax deductible under that understanding cannot
be considered in the same way as a political contribution.  (When you
give $100 to this or that candidate's campaign, it is not tax
deductible.  When you give $100 to your church or to a foundation or
friends group, that money may well be tax deductible and not able to be
used for actions that might be considered to be political in nature.) 

 

Aside from the legal difficulties involved with using money that is
derived from taxes or tax deductible sources to fund lobbying efforts,
it is important to coordinate efforts with their national and state
library associations.  Legislators can be mightily confused if lobbyists
representing particular libraries may be discussing one agenda while the
lobbyists for the state library association are emphasizing something
else.  Instead of Libraries going "solo" in an attempt to hire
lobbyists, it is much better to work within the state library
association in order to present a united front and common message to the
legislators.  Of course, it doesn't hurt for Librarians to arrange for
breakfasts or lunches with legislators and discuss issues of concern.
To be on a "first name basis" with a State Senator or Representative can
be valuable when various "pork" dollars are available to be disseminated
(they are called "member initiative" monies here in Illinois) and when
the state library association wants to push for the passage or defeat of
a particular bill.  Library directors should be politically astute and
get to know and work with legislators, mayors and commissioners (etc.),
while avoiding the appearance of partisan allegiance.  You will need to
be cordial and work closely with whichever political party is in power.


 

James B. Casey --- My own views

Director of Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member (running for re-election to Council in 2007)

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Christine Hage
Sent: Friday, November 24, 2006 4:36 PM
To: Lisa Pappas; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: RE: [Publib] Library lobbyist concept

 

Traditionally that is the role of the director. You might want to check
with an attorney.  In some states libraries are not allowed to use tax
money to hire lobbyist.  If that is the case in your state your Friends
could pay or you could use donations.

 

Christine Lind Hage, Director

Rochester Hills Public Library

500 Olde Towne Road

Rochester, MI 48307

 

Voice: 248 / 650-7122

Fax: 248/ 650-7121

 

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org on behalf of Lisa Pappas
Sent: Fri 11/24/2006 3:00 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Library lobbyist concept

Hello, publibbers~

 

 

A member of our elected library board would like us to hire what he
refers to as a "library lobbyist" to advocate for our library to our
local government officials. 

 

We know that traditionally this has been the role of the library
director. How do your libraries handle working with your local
government officials? Is it the role of the library director or do you
have a public relations person to do this? Is it in that person's job
description and would you be willing to share that job description?

 

Thank you for sharing!

 

 

 

Lisa Pappas

Reference and Readers Services Manager

Plainfield Public Library

Plainfield, IL 60544

815.436.6639

lpappas at plainfield.lib.il.us

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