Noteworthy - October 2005

Libraries Connect Ohio and the Ohio Web Library Revealed: Today Ohio libraries and all Ohioans have unlimited access to more than 50 electronic research resources thanks to Libraries Connect Ohio, a collaborative effort of Ohio's library organizations. But the LSTA grant that helps fund the Ohio Web Library is a temporary funding measure and will expire on June 30, 2008. Without this funding, statewide access to the Ohio Web Library's array of resources is in jeopardy. Therefore, it is imperative that we find a stable funding resource for the Ohio Web Library.; Libraries Connect Ohio recently launched two new web sites as part of their strategy and plan to find permanent funding for the Ohio Web Library resources. The first, www.ohioweblibrary.org, provides a list of available resources and background information about the Ohio Web Library. It also provides a gateway to help Ohioans connect to the electronic resources via INFOhio, OhioLINK, OPLIN and the State Library of Ohio. The second site, www.librariesconnectohio.org, provides detailed information on the way Ohio's libraries and library organizations are working together. Both sites link to a "for librarians" page which features a promotional toolkit of bookmarks, brochures, web logos and buttons, a news release template and more.; In order for this plan to be successful, Ohio's entire library community must be involved, including: the three statewide library networks, the library associations, the State Library of Ohio, as well as public, school, academic, special, law and medical libraries.; To help the cause, you and your library can:; 1. Read more a detailed article about these efforts at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/PR/OWLarticleforlibs.pdf.; 2. Incorporate as many of the suggested activities as possible in the LCO Funding & Communications Plan at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/PR/LCOfundcommplanMay05.pdf.; 3. Educate your community about the Ohio Web Library and its benefits. A toolkit is provided at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/promo.htm to help you.; 4. Report successes, needs, questions and stories of how the Ohio Web Library benefits you and your patrons to ohioweblibrary@oplin.org.
LSTA Minigrant News: LSTA minigrants are due at the State Library on October 26. Information on the minigrants can be found at http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstamini.html
E–Rate Workshop Registration: Registration for the E–Rate workshops, conducted by Dan Farslow, E–Rate Coordinator for the State of Ohio, is now available. The E–rate workshops consist of two sessions. The first session is a day–long workshop and the second session will be a half day session.; The first session provides an overview of the E–Rate process, specific requirements for the upcoming funding year and a line–by–line review of the Form 470, the first step in the application process.; The second session will offer line–by–line review and analysis of the filing of the Form 471, the actual application for discounts on eligible services. These sessions are planned to coordinate with the E–rate application schedule. Five programs of each session in various locations around the state.; Workshop participants should be sure to sign up for two sessions. Register at http://www.slocem.lib.oh.us/; The State Library strongly encourages all public libraries to apply for E–Rate discounts.
Talking Books Annual Conference a Success: The 21^st Annual Talking Book Conference was held at the State Library on September 16, 2005. This year's conference was attended by 56 individuals from around the state responsible for the Talking Book Program in Ohio.; Roger Verny, Deputy State Librarian, provided opening remarks, followed by updates from Barbara Mates and Donna Foust, Regional Librarians for the Cleveland and Cincinnati Regional Libraries for the Blind & Physically Handicapped, respectively.; The rest of the morning was lead by Jim Buchman, Head of the Talking Book Program for the State Library, who talked about internal operational changes made to the program at the State Library and other issues affecting delivery of the program statewide.; The afternoon key note speaker was Kathryn Kilpatrick of Communication Connection, who spoke on the topic of Memory Fitness and Successful Aging. Ms. Kilpatrick provided an overview of memory basics and the causes of memory problems, as wells as tips and suggestions on improving your memory. "New brain cells can actually be generated in adults if our brain is CHALLENGED!" noted Ms. Kilpatrick.; "We were quite pleased to have such a dynamic keynote speaker as Ms. Kilpatrick. Overall the evaluations were very positive, and we believe we had a productive and enjoyable conference," Buchman said. Plans are already underway for the 22^nd conference in September 2006.

Noteworthy - September 2005

LSTA News: Sixteen LSTA Full Grant proposals were received by the May deadline with a total federal request of just over $1.2 million. Proposals are now in the hands of reviewers. Recommended proposals will be taken to the September State Library Board meeting for funding.; The LSTA Services to Persons with Disabilities RFP has been posted. Service Plans and funding requests are due at the State Library by December 16. Funded proposals will run from April – August 2006. Information about the program can be found at: http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstadisability.html. Those considering submitting a proposal this December may wish to attend a related program at the OLC Annual Conference in October. The program entitled, "Access for All: Providing Services to Persons with Disabilities" is comprised of a panel of librarians who received a Services to Persons with Disabilities grant this year, discussing their experiences in developing a planning committee and writing a service plan.; The FY06 LSTA Minigrant RFP has been posted and proposals are due at the State Library by October 26. Changes to the RFP for FY06 include: 1) all Innovative Technology proposals and some Staff Development and Training proposals require references to the library's Technology Plan 2) all proposals must include a project summary, which follows the format provided on the website. Minigrant information can be found at: http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstamini.html
E–Rate News: The State Library will be hosting E–Rate application workshops at 5 locations around the state. Dan Farslow will be the instructor. The first workshops, which last all day are scheduled for Oct. 28 – Nov.3. The second, half–day workshops, are scheduled for Nov. 28 – Dec. 15. Participants should plan to attend both workshops. Go to http://www.slocem.lib.oh.us to register.; As a reminder, public libraries planning to apply for E–Rate funds should have a certified technology plan on file with the State Library. The technology plan should cover no more than three years, including the year for which E–Rate funds are being sought. Information on writing technology plans that meet USAC requirements can be found at: http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/e_rate.html
Joy Wade Moulton Honored: Joy Wade Moulton was honored by a resolution from the State Library Board of Ohio at its July 27 Board meeting. Moulton, a professional genealogist who is an internationally recognized authority on British Isles family history research, and a former writer of the Columbus Dispatch's "Find Your Ancestors" for over three decades, donated her extensive collection of materials to the State Library of Ohio.; Left to right: Dr. Edward Moulton, Joy Wade Moulton and Ann Baines, President, State Library Board; During her career, Moulton collected nearly 1,000 books of genealogical interest, including a large number of public records, record guides, periodicals, and other unique materials related to family history research in the British Isles. This unique collection will be called the "Joy Wade Moulton British Isles Collection" within the State Library's genealogy collection.; The State Library Board passed a resolution, on behalf of the State Library of Ohio, thanking Joy Wade Moulton for her generous British Isles Collection and other contributions.
OhioLINK Offers Additional Renewals: Now OhioLINK books may be checked out for three weeks and renewed up to four times, as long as another user has not placed a hold on the item, for a total maximum borrowing period of 15 weeks. This will be true for any OhioLINK book borrowed through the State Library of Ohio.; Tony Maniaci, chair of OhioLINK's Inter–Campus Services Committee, which sets OhioLINK borrowing policies, explained the rationale behind the change.; "Users statewide have been asking to keep OhioLINK books longer than six weeks. But OhioLINK has to carefully balance the needs of researchers who wish to keep an item for an extended period of time with those who have short time frames to meet a deadline or complete a class assignment. Recent software improvements allow us to extend the maximum borrowing period for items and better meet the needs of all OhioLINK users."; Users can request and renew OhioLINK books and local library materials via the State Library's online catalog at http://slonet.state.oh.us/.; From the Library Catalog, Select View Your Patron Record. Sign in using your name and nine–digit unique library ID number. Then select Checked Out Items. You may renew either all or selected items online, anytime, day or night.

Noteworthy - August 2005

The Ohio eBook Project launched on August 1, 2005 with sixteen member libraries including the State Library of Ohio, three academic libraries, one school library, and eleven public libraries.

Created by the State Library of Ohio, the Ohio eBook Project is the first of its kind developed by a state library. The Project creates a multi–type library consortium that allows Ohio libraries to affordably obtain a digital book collection. You can access the Ohio eBook Project at http://ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com.

The Ohio eBook Project's collection includes bestsellers, classics, fiction and non–fiction, from popular authors and leading publishers. Patrons of member libraries can download free software from the project's web site and then check out and download digital books. A valid library card from an Ohio eBook Project member library is required to check out eBooks and digital audio books.

The Ohio eBook Project is funded in part by Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds awarded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the State Library of Ohio.

The State Library of Ohio contracted with OverDrive, Inc.; paid the initial start–up fee; purchased digital audio books; and will pay the monthly maintenance fee for the project. Member libraries of the Ohio eBook Project pay a minimal set–up fee; procure a SIP license from their vendor; and contribute one percent of their library's print book, monograph and AV collection budget to the Ohio eBook Project's digital book collection. All member libraries choose the books they contribute to the project.

The Ohio eBook Project is open to all libraries in Ohio (academic, public, school, and special) that meet the membership requirements. The Project will be open for enrollments again in November and December of 2005.

For more information about the Ohio eBook Project, contact Rebecca Felkner at 1 (800) 686–1532; (614) 644–6912; or rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us

Member Libraries
State Library of Ohio
Academic Libraries:
1. Miami University (Main Campus, Middletown, Hamilton)
2. Sinclair Community College
3. Walsh University
Public Libraries:
1. Ashtabula County District Library
2. Auglaize County Public District Library
3. Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library
4. Delaware County District Library
5. Geauga County Public Library
6. Lane Public Library
7. Lima Public Library
8. McKinley Memorial Library
9. Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County
10. North Canton Public Library
11. Wright Memorial Public Library
School Library:
1. Milford Exempted Village School District

2004 Ohio Public Library Statistics

The 2004 Ohio Public Library Statistics are now available on the State Library website

Ohio's public libraries submitted all information listed. After compilation and formatting, the libraries checked the information again for accuracy before publication.

The Statistics are available only online in excel spreadsheet format. The State Library will not publish a printed version of the Statistics in 2004.

2004 Ohio Public Library Statistics lists the public libraries alphabetically by town, including all statistical data.

Statistics by County and Town lists public libraries alphabetically by county and then by town.

Separate spreadsheets also show public libraries ranked by: Circulation; Employees; Expenditures; Revenues; Overall Rank; and Volumes Held.

Did you know – For 2004, Ohio public libraries reported 1,971.70 MLS Full Time Equivalent Positions and 9,626.97 Overall Total Full Time Equivalent Positions, with an average salary per FTE (excluding benefits) of $32,269 and $41,338 with benefits.

If you have a request for a specific statistical report using public library data, you may contact Darla Cottrill at dcottril@sloma.state.oh.us to request more detailed reports than what is available on the SLO website. Darla is very experienced in offering suggestions and compiling reports to present to your boards, legislators, commissioners, voters, etc.

Talking Book Conference

The 21st Annual Talking Book Conference is scheduled to take place at the State Library on September 16. This conference brings together talking book coordinators and repair groups responsible for making Ohio's program work.

This year's keynote speaker will be Kathryn Kilpatrick, M.A. of Communication Connection. Her topic will be Memory Fitness and Successful Aging.

Ms. Kilpatrick is a consultant specializing in geriatrics and memory. She has a background in speech and language pathology; her practice focuses on helping friends, families and caregivers of people experiencing communication difficulties or early memory loss enhance the quality of their daily interactions.

"We are excited to have such a dynamic and interesting speaker at this year's conference," said Jim Buchman, head of the State Library's Talking Book program.

For more information contact Mr. Buchman by phone at 614–644–6954, or e–mail: jbuchman@sloma.state.oh.us

Best Small Library Sought

Library Journal is seeking nominations for the second annual Best Small Library in America, cosponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The new award, which went to Haines Borough Public Library in Alaska in 2005, acknowledges the outstanding work small and rural libraries do every day.

The deadline for nominations is November 1, 2005.

For complete guidelines, please go to www.libraryjournal.com or contact Rebecca Miller at miller@reedbusiness.com; (646) 746–6725.

NYPL Launches Digital Image Gallery

A large treasury of images from the collections of the New York Public Library are now accessible free of charge over the Internet. The NYPL Digital Library, found at http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/, offers prints, illuminated manuscripts, photographs, maps, postcards, cigarette cards, menus, posters, and many other visual materials.

The Cincinnati and Covington suspension bridge (general view, west side)

The initial 275,000 items in the NYPL Digital Gallery were selected by curators from all divisions of the New York Public Library's four research libraries.

"Whether it's a historian studying the Revolutionary War, a scenic designer re–searching old New York neighborhoods, or a fashion designer looking for inspiration in vintage clothing, the digital gallery will provide unparalleled resources and access," said David S. Ferriero, the library's Andrew W. Mellon director and chief executive of the research libraries. "Within the next several months, we expect that the quantity of materials available will double to 500,000 items."

There are several methods to navigate through the images –browsing by broad topics, collections, subject words, or names, and searching by keywords or identification number. Each image has been individually described with extensive metadata to accommodate precise searches, and all can be downloaded free of charge for personal use.

Reprinted from newsline, March–April 2005, the Missouri State Library newsletter

Noteworthy - July 2005

LearningExpress Library Comes to Ohio: As of July 1, the LearningExpress Library will be available to all Ohio residents through the state's public libraries, K–12 schools, colleges and community colleges, and adult education centers. LearningExpress Library provides online, interactive practice tests, career building tools, and writing aides.; The two year pilot project is funded by the State Library of Ohio and OPLIN, with an additional Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant to Libraries Connect Ohio, a collaborative project of the State Library of Ohio, OPLIN, OhioLINK, and INFOhio. Ohionet is also a partner on the project. LearningExpress Library will join the core research databases Libraries Connect Ohio provides Ohio residents.; LearningExpress Library offers students and adults unlimited, 24/7 access to targeted skill–building interactive courses in math, reading, and writing, as well as hundreds of online interactive practice tests that prepare them for several types of exams including grade school achievement tests, the SAT, GED, U.S. Citizenship, and civil service positions. Complete answer explanations accompany each response so that patrons understand why a particular answer is correct or incorrect.; All practice tests include instant diagnostic score reports that help patrons to target those skill areas that need the most attention. To help students master the SAT and recently added essay, instant score reports provide immediate feedback on how well they performed in each of five writing skill areas.; LearningExpress Library can be accessed from any web–enabled computer in the library, computer lab, office, or home.; Patrons can enter LearningExpress Library from any authenticated site: Ohio's public libraries, academics and schools.; While at LearningExpress Library, patrons set up their own accounts. Note: Patrons must set up their accounts while at an authenticating site. Thereafter, the account is accessible from anywhere.; Patrons are then free to take any available test.; "I am pleased that we can offer this service as a pilot program. With libraries across the state, we want to assist Ohio residents in achieving their educational and vocational goals. LearningExpress Library should prove to be a helpful tool in this endeavor," said Jo Budler, State Librarian of Ohio.; "We are pleased to be able to provide Ohio with a service that will address a broad spectrum of needs among library patrons throughout the state. Now, patrons will have unlimited access to online practice tests and courses that will help them to improve their skills, and prepare them for success," said Barry Lippman, President and CEO of LearningExpress, LLC.
LSTA News: Sixteen LSTA Full Grant proposals were received by the May deadline with a total federal request of just over $1.2 million. Proposals are now in the hands of reviewers. Recommended proposals will be taken to the September State Library Board meeting for funding.; The LSTA Services to Persons with Disabilities RFP has been posted. Service Plans and funding requests are due at the State Library by December 16. Funded proposals will run from April - August 2006. Information about the program can be found at: http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstadisability.html; LSTA Grantwriting Training is now available on the e–Learning Center at http://slo.minds.tv. Training is available for minigrants, full grant and automation. Specific modules under each grant program follow the proposal format outline in the RFP. The training modules are designed to assist applicants in determining what information should be included in each section of the application, what reviewers are looking for, and overall, how to develop a well–written, competitive application. Sections such as objectives and evaluation will be helpful for writing any type of grant, not just a LSTA application. The budget section will be added later this summer.
E–Rate Information: The School and Libraries Division (SLD) has issued wave 21 funding for Funding Year 2004 E–Rate funding commitment decision letters. There has been no word yet when SLD will begin releasing Funding Year 2005 E–Rate funding commitment decision letters. The SLD is continuing to process applications so as soon as the FCC gives the OK, the SLD will begin sending commitment letters immediately.
State Library Scanner: Bruce Motsch from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) needed to contact someone who could scan microfilm or microfiche to a computer. They had old land records that they wanted to digitize and they weren't able to find anyplace to do it. He asked the State Library if we knew of anyone who could help him.; We could. The State Library has a microfilm/fiche reader printer that is hooked up to a computer so it also scans. An ODNR intern will be using our scanner/reader/printer to do this task.; The people at ODNR are thrilled to be able to get what they need, free of charge. The State Library will also have a copy of what they scan to add to the Digital Archive, if appropriate.

Noteworthy - June 2005

Pattern Recognition: The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan

Pattern Recognition: The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan offers thought–provoking insight into the self–sufficient and seamless way the millennial generation prefers to access information, the formation of online communities, and the desire of young people to learn in a socially engaging context. It identifies and describes the issues and trends that are impacting libraries. It's an engaging read that has far–reaching implications for the customers you serve, the libraries you staff, and the very work you do.

You may well be familiar with the community–reading concept pioneered in Seattle by Nancy Pearl. But have you ever thought of applying this engaging concept to Ohio's library community? What if staff in all kinds of libraries read the same book? This year six Ohio library leadership partners encourage you to read the Environmental Scan and to join with professional colleagues in a statewide professional reading program of ongoing discussion and education. Beginning in May, continuing through the summer, and culminating at Ohio Library Council's annual conference in October, you have the opportunity to read a book that stretches the way you think and at the same time connect with colleagues around the state.

Ready to sign up? Follow these easy steps:

Indicate your intention to participate by e–mailing your name, the name of your library, school, university, or organization to badair@olc.org. You'll receive acknowledgement of your enrollment and additional details about the program as they're available. (Already read the book? Great! Sign up by e–mail become a part of the program.)
If your library does not already own the Environmental Scan, order a copy or download the text.
Register to attend the free kickoff event at OCLC's Kilgour Auditorium on July 14, 2005. This session, facilitated by OCLC leaders and authors of the Environmental Scan, provides an overview of the landscapes and updated information about new trends that have emerged since the book's introduction in 2003. Please plan on attending in teams, two persons per library (e.g., director and IT specialist; director and youth services coordinator). The session will be offered from 10 a.m. until noon and repeated from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Register to attend at http://www.olc.org/WorkshopDescription.asp?ID=317.
Join the blog. Following the kickoff in July all registered participants will have the option of enrolling in the "Endless Possibilities Blog." You'll receive an e–mail message telling you how to sign up so that you can share your impressions and opinions on the Environmental Scan via discussion on the blog.
Consider attending the 2005 OLC Annual Conference in Columbus – especially on Thursday, October 6, 2005 when an entire conference track will be devoted to sessions, presenters, and discussion sponsored by the leadership partners and related to this reading project. Preliminary information about the conference is available on the OLC Web site.

Balanced Scorecards in Public Libraries

In late 2004, IMLS funded a project to investigate the value and utility of using a Balanced Scorecard in public libraries. The project is seeking volunteer public libraries of all sizes from across the U.S. to create their own Library Balanced Scorecard using a process documented in a workbook created by this project.

The Benefits: The benefits of using a Balanced Scorecard include:

Becoming more responsive to customer needs
Better communicating the value of the public library
Achieving a closer link between strategic planning and the day–to–day activities of a library
Helping focus library staff members on the importance of achieving an important goal
Gaining a better understanding of performance measures.

Time Required: A library can expect to spend between 3–4 hours in a weekly meeting for about 8–12 weeks. After developing the initial scorecard, each library would update their scorecard on a quarterly basis.

Staff Involved: It is recommended that from 3 to 7 library staff members be involved in the scorecard project. Staff should come from different levels and functional areas within the library.

Start Date: The workbook will be available in August 2005 and each library will start using the workbook in September 2005.

Expectations: Each participating library should be willing to share the issues and concerns about the workbook itself and thoughts on the concept of the Library Balanced Scorecard with the project consultant as the library uses the process contained in the workbook.

In addition, the library would be expected to distribute, collect and return a short survey to its stakeholders (city/county manager, other city/county administrators, city council people, members of the Board of Supervisors, and library board members) during July 2006.

More Information: Please visit the project's Web site: www.ci.carlsbad.ca.us/imls

Participation: Should you want to participate or have any questions, please contact the project's consultant, Joe Matthews. He can be reached via telephone at 760–930–9223 or email at: Joe@JoeMatthews.org

Congressman Regula Receives FOLUSA Public Service Award

Congressman Ralph Regula (R - 16th Congressional District, OH) received the Public Service Award 2005 given by the Friends of Libraries USA, a branch of the American Library Association. The award was given to Congressman Regula for his distinguished support of libraries and education. The Public Service Award 2005 was presented May 4 at a reception in the Rayburn Building on Capital Hill following National Legislative Day.

"I'm truly honored to be selected for this award," said Congressman Regula. "I know that libraries are critical to an independent and self–determining democracy. There is no substitute for libraries in supporting life-long learning and continuing intellectual growth in our citizens."

"Here in Holmes County, we have been the beneficiary of Congressman Regula's understanding of the value of library services," stressed Lucille L. Hastings, President of the State Library Board of Ohio, who lives near Big Prairie.

"Congressman Regula is a leader on the House Appropriations Committee which supports these funds for strong public and school libraries so essential to the education of all our citizens." she added.

Congressman Regula credits his interest in libraries from the days when as a child he borrowed books from his local bookmobile. Congressman Regula was also presented a handmade, wooden plaque of the seal of Ohio as a part of the national awards ceremony.

Congressman Ralph Regula (L) accepts the Public Service Award from Lucille L. Hastings, President of the State Library Board of Ohio, and Susan Schmidt (R), President of the Board of the Friends of Libraries USA

LSTA News

LSTA Automation grants are currently being reviewed. Applicants will hear whether or not their proposal will be recommended to the State Library Board for funding in late June. Recommended proposals will be taken to the July 28 State Library Board meeting for funding.

LSTA Full Grants were due at the State Library on May 18. A total of 16 proposals were received with a total federal request of just over $1.2 million. The review process will now begin. Recommended proposals will be taken to the State Library Board in September and funded proposals will commence on October 1, 2005.

The new Request for Proposal for LSTA Disability Grants will be posted in late June 2005.

E–Rate Technology Plans

For libraries planning to participate in the E–Rate program for 2006–2007 (next year) you should have a certified Technology Plan that covers the year 2006 and extends no later than 2009. According to FCC requirements the Tech Plan should be sent to the State Library prior to submission of the 470 form and must be certified prior to the start of service on July 1. Although the State Library will accept and certify Tech Plans at any time during the E–Rate application process, we strongly encourage you to submit your Tech Plan to the State Library by October 1, 2005 to ensure that you meet all FCC requirements. The State Library website, http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/e–rate.html, contains a variety of documents to assist you in writing your Tech Plan.

Specific questions can be addressed to Missy Lodge at mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us or at 800–686–1532.

Cincinnati's Library Jam Series Premieres on PBS Station (reprinted from Library Hotline, May 23, 2005, Vol. XXXIV, No. 21)

On May 9, Cincinnati's local PBS affiliate, CET, premiered the first in a series of fun and educational segments hosted by children's librarian Joel Caithamer. The 17 five–minute programs were all filmed at branches of the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCHC), with the participation of more than 300 children. Joel's Library Jam stars Caithamer, of the Green Township Branch, who promotes reading and language arts for grades K–2 using sing–along lyrics, guitar playing, "kid silly" jokes and even a rubber chicken.

Each program features a particular book and is aligned with state curriculum standards, according to PLCHC spokesperson Phyllis Hegner. Accompanying kits ($25 at www.LibraryJam.org) include a guide with hands–on activities, a series of educational prompts for teachers or parents, and a video with all 17 of the 5–minute "shorts." The project came together with a grant from the State of Ohio through School Net and Success by 6, a United Way agency.

Noteworthy - May 2005

New Planning for Results Workshops

State Library of Ohio Consultants Rebecca Felkner and Jan Haines will conduct workshops around the state on the New Planning for Results long range planning process. Currently scheduled workshops:

Cincinnati, Thursday, May 12;
Wellston, Friday, May 20;
Newcomerstown, Friday, July 22

Workshops in northwest, northeast, southeast, and central Ohio will be scheduled soon.

The New Planning for Results is a streamlined long range planning process that was especially designed for libraries. Highlights of the NPFR process are its short time line for completion, community involvement, its use as a marketing tool to generate support for the library, its adaptability and ease of implementation. During the New Planning for Results workshop, attendees will gain an understanding of the entire process and how to conduct the NPFR process at their own libraries.

Registration at each workshop is $15. To register for a workshop, please visit http://winslo.state.oh.us/cregister . For further information about the New Planning for Results workshops, contact Rebecca Felkner at rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us.

Congressman Regula Receives FOLUSA Public Service Award

Congressman Ralph Regula (R–16th Congressional District, OH) will be the 17th recipient of the Public Service Award given annually by Friends of Libraries U.S.A. This award is given to Congressman Regula for his distinguished support of libraries and education.

The Public Service Award will be presented on May 4, 2005, at a reception following National Library Legislative Day when hundreds of library supporters go to Washington D.C. to talk to their legislators about the importance of supporting library funding, policy, and legislation. The event is in its 60th year and is sponsored by the Washington Office of the American Library Association.

"I'm truly honored to be selected for this award," said Congressman Regula. "I know that libraries are critical to an independent and self–determining democracy. There is no substitute for libraries in supporting life–long learning and continued intellectual growth of our citizens."

Congressman Regula joins the ranks of such previous recipients as Senators Oympia Snowe, Russ Feingold, Mark Hatfield, Tom Harkin as well as U.S. Representatives Jay Rockefeller, Peter Hoekstra, and Jack Reed. In addition to this award, Congressman Regula was the 2002 recipient of the Crystal Apple award given by the American Association of School Librarians to an individual or group who has had a significant impact on school libraries and students.

According to the Stark County District Library, "Congressman Regula, a strong supporter for libraries, often credits the Bookmobile Department of the Stark County District Library for his love of reading. He would walk quite a distance so he could read the latest magazine, pick up his favorite books on history and read the latest best seller."

Ohio Notable Documents Award

The State Library of Ohio would like to congratulate the recipients of its first annual Ohio Notable Documents award. This award recognizes outstanding state documents that excel in providing access to Ohio government information. The documents were selected by Government Information Services librarians Audrey Hall and Sharon Richter, and awarded by Jo Budler, State Librarian of Ohio.

The 2004 winners are:

Along the Ohio Trail: A Short History of Ohio Lands
Ohio Auditor of State's Office
As the first state formed out of the public domain, Ohio was the social laboratory in which Congress worked out not only the basic Federal Rectangular Survey System, but also first applied the basic elements for moving a portion of the public domain from wilderness to statehood. Central to the statehood–making process was the rational system of land division worked out in Ohio, and it is the story of that development outlined in the Ohio Lands Book, and the student version Along the Ohio Trail.

An Ohio Sunshine Laws Update, 2004
Ohio Attorney General's Office
Frequently referred to as "The Yellow Book," the overview of statutes and case law is prepared by the Attorney General's office to guide public officials, as well as Ohio citizens, regarding the application of the Public Records and/or the Open Meetings law.

Noteworthy - April 2005

Join the Ohio E–Book Project

The State Library of Ohio invites all Ohio libraries – public, academic, school, and special – to be part of the Ohio E–book Project. This statewide project will allow you to provide e–books, including audio books, to your library customers, at a considerable savings.

The State Library of Ohio has contracted with OverDrive, Inc to make this project a reality. OverDrive has considerable experience providing e–books to libraries in Ohio and other states. The State Library will assume the project's start–up cost, the monthly maintenance fee, and cost of an opening day collection of audio books. We expect this collection to be available by July 2005.

In order to be included in this project, a library will be required to:

Pledge a small percentage of their collection budget to building the Ohio Project's collection;
Agree that all e–books will be shared with all other libraries' customers (those holding a valid library card).

The e–books will be downloadable in Adobe and Mobipocket Reader formats. Patrons will be able to download e–books (including audio books) from the computers in their homes, offices, or at the participating library.

There are many issues to discuss regarding this new initiative. As this project continues, we will form a members' advisory council to address these issues.

If you are interested in participating in the Ohio E–book Project, please contact project leader Rebecca Felkner at the State Library of Ohio by April 15. Rebecca can be reached at rfelkner@sloma.state.oh.us.

Battelle Leading Effort to Design Next–Generation Talking Book Player

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, has chosen a consortium led by Battelle to design and develop its next–generation digital talking book players. Battelle is working with HumanWare, the National Federation of the Blind, and the Trace Center to develop a new player to meet the needs of the blind and physically handicapped and others with print disabilities. The new flash–based player will be lightweight, portable, and durable, and is expected to be freely distributed to over 700,000 individuals in the U.S. Digital talking books revolutionize the reading experience by providing advanced features such as ease of navigation, better audio quality, and the ability to enter bookmarks. Additionally, a complete book will fit on a single flash memory card.

Community Service Requirements through the State Library

Diego Morales, a Hastings Middle School student in Upper Arlington, Ohio has chosen to complete his community service requirements through the State Library of Ohio. Diego will help the State Library participate in the Dia de los Ninos (Day of the Child) festival on April 30th at the Westland Mall in Columbus. He will prepare colorful crepe paper and straw streamers representing Central and South American flags for children to assemble at the festival. He will also assist Jan Haines, State Library Consultant and Kristin Shelley, Manager of Hilltop Branch (Columbus Metropolitan Library) at the celebration where both libraries will have booths for children to listen to stories and make take–home crafts.

LSTA Grant News

A total of 21 FY05 minigrants were recommended to the State Library Board for funding. Summaries of the funded projects can be found at http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstafunded.html

Additionally, the State Library Board approved funding for six Services to Persons with Disabilities proposals. This was the first funding cycle for these projects.

LSTA Full Grants are due at the State Library on May 18, 2005. Application information and guidelines can be found at http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstafull.html

NLS Reference Circulars

Reference Circulars from the Library of Congress National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS) provide current and vital information for persons with disabilities. The Reference Circulars are available either in paper from the State Library or online at http://www.loc.gov/nls/

Current Reference Circulars include: Learning Disabilities: National Organizations and Resources and Parents' Guide to the Development of Preschool Children with Disabilities: Resources and Services.

State Library Staffing Changes

In order to provide better services to customers as well as increase agency efficiency, the State Library recently instituted some staff changes. Jay Burton now heads the new Professional Development department. In this position Jay will be responsible for coordinating professional development for librarians and state government. This position will capitalize on Jay's strengths of developing training documentation as well as his skills as a trainer. Professional development questions can be sent to Jay at jburton@sloma.state.oh.us or 800–686–1532.

Missy Lodge is now head of Library Programs and Development. This brings Library Development, LSTA, and E–Rate under one umbrella and will allow for better coordination of all three programs. The primary goal of LPD is to provide information and assistance to meet statewide and individual library needs. This includes, but is not limited to: LSTA, Planning, and Special Services such as children's, literacy, and diversity issues. LPD questions can be sent to Missy at mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us or 800–686–1532.

Ohio Libraries to Host National Exhibit

Four Ohio libraries are among the fifteen libraries in the Greater Midwest Region selected to host the touring exhibit, Changing the Face of Medicine. The libraries are:

University of Cincinnati, Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Health Sciences Library, Cleveland, Ohio
Ohio State University, John A. Prior Health Sciences Library, Columbus, Ohio
Wright State University, Dunbar Library, Dayton, Ohio

The schedule isn't final but it looks like the exhibition will launch late August/September 2005. The exhibition will be at each site for 6 weeks.

Noteworthy - March 2005

Judy Bow Retires: After twenty years of serving the needs of Ohio's blind and physically handicapped residents, Judy Bow is retiring as head of the State Library's Talking Book Program. Judy was a nationally recognized expert in talking books. Her experience and unwavering passion will be missed. Judy's last day is March 31, 2005.; Although Judy's position will not be filled, the State Library of Ohio remains committed to Ohio's Talking Book Program. Responsibility for the program has been re–assigned to Jim Buchman, head of Patron and Catalog Services. Questions may be addressed to Jim directly by phone at 614–644–6954, or by e–mail: jbuchman@sloma.state.oh.us.
Current Awareness Services Offered: Current Awareness Services notify state employees by e-mail about new, relevant journal articles, according to subject, author or journal title. Alerts can also be set to search a particular topic in many periodicals or for notification when new issues of individual journal titles are published. Detailed information and instructions for registering are available online.
Government Information Reference Online: Kent State University is one of over 30 institutions participating in a pilot project to provide a government information reference service online at http://govtinfo.org.; The service is offered at no fee and provides real–time chat reference service Monday through Thursday, 8am to 8pm and Fridays 8am to 5pm. Users can also submit questions to be answered by e–mail when the chat service is not available. The pilot is set to run through mid–November of 2005.; For more information, contact Joseph A. Salem, Jr., Coordinator, Government Documents and Head, Map Library Libraries and Media Services, Kent State University, (330) 672-4440.

Noteworthy - February 2005

Joe Palmer – Library Director and Author: Joe Palmer, director of Mansfield/Richland County Public Library has written a murder mystery, Sand Castle, woven around family feuding, organized crime, greed and romance. The Friends of the Library will host a book signing with refreshments at the main library from 2 to 4 p.m. March 13. His book draws on his love for New England and his Youngstown youth. It's filled with family names, including his grandparents who came to this country from Monte Paone, Calabria, Italy, but he said there's no organized crime in his background. He included some library staffers' names in his book, too. Palmer is already at work on a sequel called Murder at Sand Castle, and he has an idea for a third book about working in a library.
New LibraryLearning.org website: The NOLA Regional Library System is in the final preparations to unveil the new LibraryLearning.org website. The project was funded by an LSTA Minigrant to produce and distribute quality interactive library training on topics that will have a wide appeal to the general library community. By using the Internet and various digital video technologies, this interactive library continuing education will be available on librarians' desktops for use at a time convenient to them, saving both time and money. This service is offered to all librarians in Ohio at www.librarylearning.org and will be available in February 2005.
LSTA Disability Proposals Received: Six LSTA Disability proposals were received. They are being reviewed by a review team comprised of Disability Task Force members. Recommended proposals will be presented at the March 30 State Library Board meeting.
LSTA Full Grant RFP: The LSTA Full Grant RFP was posted on January 14. Proposals will be due May 18, 2005 with funded proposals running from October 2005 through September 2006. Information on the full grants can be found at http://winslo.state.oh.us/publib/lstafull.html
E–Rate Technology Plan Reminder: Remember, if you are submitting an individual E–Rate application you must have an approved technology plan on file at the State Library. If you have not submitted your Technology Plan yet, please do so as soon as possible. Plans must be certified by the time a library submits the Form 486 or by the start of service, whichever comes first.

Noteworthy - January 2005

New State Library Board Member: At the December meeting the State Board of Education appointed Jacquelyn K. O'Brien of Cincinnati to The State Library Board for a five-year term ending December 31, 2009. Ms. O'Brien is filling the seat vacated by Carl J. Stich, Jr. who leaves the Board after serving two five-year terms. She will be sworn in on January 24, 2005 at the beginning of the State Library Board annual Retreat.
Internet Classes Available: The new State Library Internet Training Class schedule for January - April 2005 is now online at: http://winslo.state.oh.us/services/train.html. Classes are open to state employees and the general public and are free of charge.
LSTA Minigrants: The State Library received a total of 55 Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) minigrant proposals. Applicants will be notified around March 1st if their proposal will be presented to the Board for approval. Those grants will be presented to the Board at the March Board meeting.
Southwest Ohio Library Center Closes: The State Library's Southwest Ohio Library Center in Fayetteville, Ohio was closed as of December 31, 2004. After review and prioritization of State Library programs in order to maximize services in the face of mandated budget cuts, the Library closed SWO and transferred work done there and the collection the Southeast Ohio Library Center (SEO).

Noteworthy 2005