Topic 5: How to Identify Stakeholders

Initially it may be easy to identify key and primary stakeholders. However, it is not as easy to predict secondary stakeholders. Keep in mind that an initiative may possibly have a positive effect on some and a negative effect on others. Think of ways the project may come in contact with people indirectly. The following list was provided by The Community Toolbox and offers some strategies to help develop a list of stakeholders:

• Brainstorm - Gather library staff and start naming organizations, businesses, community partners, and individuals that come to mind in reference to the project. Don't be afraid to name anything that comes to mind. Even if they may not be a stakeholder, it could spark another idea. At the end of the brainstorming session go through your list together and identify your completed list of stakeholders (labeling each as primary, secondary, or key).
  • Collect categories and names from informants in the community - People outside of your library should be included in the brainstorming session if possible. Informants (people who are well familiar with the community) can bring new perspectives and ideas that library staff may not consider.

• Consult with organizations - If your initiative is similar or related to an effort conducted by another organization in the past, consult with that organization. Who was involved and in what way? Who did it affect? This is also important in terms of program implementation. We will discuss this further in later sections.

• Get more ideas from stakeholders - As you identify stakeholders, get more information and ask who they think may be affected by the initiative. You may not be able to identify all possible stakeholders initially. However, be sure to ask stakeholders that have already been identified to help you find more.

• If appropriate, advertise - Depending on the initiative you may want to get the word out about what you are planning. Sometimes stakeholders will come to you. You can use a variety of outreach techniques. These include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)
  • Newspaper
  • Community and organizational newsletters
  • Targeted emails
  • Announcements on your library website or by leaders at meetings and religious gatherings
  • Word of mouth

References

The Community Toolbox. (2017). Chapter 7, Section 8: Identifying and Analyzing Stakeholders and Their nterests. Retrieved from https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/participation/encouraging-involvement/identify-stakeholders/main