Librarians' interest in and concern with the legislative process and with their relationship with elected officials is accelerating. The obvious reason for this is the deteriorating financial situation facing libraries of all types. It has become critically important for the future of libraries that librarians become knowledgeable in the contest for the diminishing tax dollar. Although most libraries have seldom been able to claim affluence, their financial situation over the past 10 or 15 years could be characterized as relatively stable and, in some sense, on the ascendance. The situation has now changed. Even library systems like that of Contra Costa County, California, which enjoy community and local government support, are now faced with potential budget reductions. Like other public agencies, the library must now concretely demonstrate the value of its public services. First, attention must be given to maintaining good relations with the community and with local government officials, while providing the best possible library service. It is also necessary to develop specific performance measures--hard data which will help to prove that the library deserves the tax dollars it receives. (Author/SL)