The role of public libraries is changing in response to a multitude of influences and trends. The exponential growth of technology as the primary method of information access, funding challenges, changing demographics, and other mitigating factors have forced public libraries to become more than book repositories. Community library leaders and…

In 2009, after a year of planning and preparation, the second generation of Ohio Memory was launched. A collaborative effort of the Ohio Historical Society (OHS) and the State Library of Ohio, Ohio Memory is a repository for more than 75,000 digital items, including photographs, journals, and other manuscript materials, as well as print documents…

This study examined the collective success and "Best in the Nation" status of Ohio public libraries as indicated in by various statistical rankings, like the HAPLR and "Library Journal" Star Libraries, as well as anecdotal reports in the trade literature. The study was qualitative in nature and utilized a single-subject case…

Despite the recent turmoil in the U.S. economy, most libraries that were tracked by "Library Journal" won their referenda at a rate just slightly lower than 2007. Nearly three-quarters of operating referenda passed. Building referenda under $10 million passed at a whopping 85%, with those over $10 million batting slightly better than…

Background information is provided to give an overall picture of the status of Ohio's libraries. The demographic, economic, and governmental characteristics of Ohio are discussed, and the financial and organizational structure of the state's libraries are examined in detail. Interlibrary cooperation and the role of state and federal governments…

The 1974 Ohio Governor's Conference on Library and Information Services was the first in a series of meetings mandated by the Long Range Program for the Improvement of Library Services developed by the State Library Board to give citizens a voice in the future of their libraries. Information was gathered on the kinds of libraries--school,…

The results of this study outline the plans for the establishment of a cooperative network of Ohio Art Libraries. Academic, Special, and Public Libraries are included. The study reveals that these several libraries jointly possess a major art research resource. In addition to sharing, it was decided that a clearly defined program outlining areas…

Developed as background material for the 1978 Ohio White House Conference on Library and Information Services, this document provides information in six areas of concern for Ohio libraries: (1) library and information services--library users, library collections, special user needs; (2) public awareness--definition, current status, suggestions for…

USING INFORMATION FROM 5 COMMISSIONED STUDIES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF OHIO LIBRARIES (SUMMARIZED IN THIS REPORT), QUESTIONNAIRES, AND FIELD VISITS, THIS SURVEY IS INTENDED TO SERVE AS A BEGINNING FOR CONTINUOUS PLANNING AND TO PROVIDE A GENERAL FRAMEWORK FOR STATE-WIDE ACTION PROGRAMS. PROBLEM AREAS FOR OHIO PUBLIC LIBRARIES ARE SEEN AS--FINANCIAL…

Statistical data from Ohio directories and program reports on Ohio citizens, their library needs, libraries, and librarians are provided as background information for this proposal of policies and priorities for Ohio state continuing library education, 1977-1979. Sections cover major issues in Ohio library development and implications for…

State legislation on libraries in Ohio is presented in this report. An introductory chapter covers some of the major characteristics and provisions of these laws, in historical perspective and in the current state of public library organization, tax support, and financing. Federal library laws are reviewed, as is the role of the state library, and…

This study is an outgrowth of the plans and programs set in motion by the study of professor Ralph Blasingame, Rutgers University Graduate School, in 1968, and the 1969 legislation setting up the Ohio Library Development Plan (OLDP). Its purposes are to describe the system of financing public libraries in Ohio, to identify problem areas, and to…

A survey was conducted to gather data about Ohio's prison libraries and the librarians who are responsible for them. These libraries are areas of challenge and opportunity for librarians, and there will be continued growth in this field as more and more prisons are built. However, few professionals are aware of the concerns and challenges facing…

A survey instrument was designed and administered to obtain a broad base of information concerning the presence of computers and computer literacy classes in public libraries in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota. The results indicate that 50.8% of the 100 libraries that responded to the survey (80.6% of the original random sample) have public…

The 16 recommendations of the 1978 Ohio White House Conference on Library and Information Services are presented with background information and identification of salient issues. Concerns include the legal structure of public libraries, funding, library services (particularly for those with special needs), public relations, preservation, library…