Once your exploratory group has determined informally that there is an interest in improved library service, and you have created a vision statement of what that service would be like, and you have calculated a ballpark range of the costs, it is time to begin approaching groups in the community. Ask to be given time at the business meetings of service clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary International, Federated Women’s Club, for example) and educational organizations (school board, parent-teacher organization). Tell these groups what you have been thinking about. Present your vision, but also be honest about the costs. Make sure that you talk about tax-supported library service. Try to take at least two people to each group: one to speak and one to record what is said. After the meeting, look at the recorded questions and comments. Count the ones that seem positive and the ones that seem negative. If you have many positive comments and few negative, then creating a library district could be a real possibility. A worksheet for analyzing group and individual meetings has been provided here.
As you continue through the Assessment Phase and into the Planning Phase, you will need to continue to meet with groups. By beginning with those who are likely to be the most positive, you will not only build your own confidence, but you will have a quick reality check on the prospects of success. If a local PTO is not supportive, for example, your chances of a successful districting project are not very good.
If you find support where it should be, the next step is to see if there is support in less likely places. You will do this in the same way: by talking to organizations that do not represent educational or community improvement interests. As you continue in the process, you will not only learn whether there is adequate support to proceed, but you will also begin to identify the supporters of, as well as the opponents to, the effort.