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Article
Influence and Increased Funding in Canadian Public Libraries: The Case of Alberta in Fiscal Year 2009-10
Library Quarterly (2014)
  • Cheryl Stenstroem, San Jose State University
  • Ken Haycock, San Jose State University
Abstract

This exploratory case study examined the role of social influence in the decision-making process to increase public library funding in the Canadian province of Alberta in the 2009–10 fiscal year. Using Robert Cialdini’s theory of factors of influence (i.e., commitment and consistency, authority, liking, social proof, scarcity, and reciprocity) as a framework for analysis, findings show that consistency and commitment and authority were relevant and that liking was also important. These findings are consistent with Cialdini’s theory, which suggests that the quality of relationships is one factor that can most strongly influence a decision maker. This study gives insight into the factors motivating those involved in public library funding allocation decisions. No prior studies have examined the construct of influence in decision making about funding for public libraries at any level of government.

Keywords
  • influence,
  • canadian public libraries
Publication Date
2014
Publisher Statement
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Citation Information
Cheryl Stenstroem and Ken Haycock. "Influence and Increased Funding in Canadian Public Libraries: The Case of Alberta in Fiscal Year 2009-10" Library Quarterly Vol. 84 Iss. 1 (2014)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/ken_haycock/132/