September 30, 2008
Ohio Public Libraries Serve as Community Hubs in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ike
When Hurricane Ike blew through Ohio on September 14, 2008 many homes and businesses were damaged and thousands were left without power for days. Fortunately, most libraries were spared and as a result quickly became hubs for community members seeking light, reading materials, internet access, and power for charging cell phones & laptops. Many libraries remained open for extra hours to better serve the increase in visitors.
"I always say that the best libraries can be found at the heart of any community. During crisis and tragedies, people turn to their libraries," said State Librarian Jo Budler. "We saw this happen after 9/11 – people naturally wanted to be with other people AND where they could get reliable information. When Hurricane Ike struck Ohio, again we saw people flocking to their libraries, literally a haven in the storm! Marsha McDevitt-Stredney, Director of Marketing and Communications, sent out a question on OPLIN listserv to find out how Ohioans used their libraries when so many homes were without electricity and the responses she received are gathered here."
Elaine Willis, Public Relations Associate, Westlake Porter Public Library responded, "One family (a mother and daughter, at least) actually said they had hung out here for several nights because they had no power at home, and this way the 6th grade daughter had more time for homework."
"We also had hundreds of customers checking out books, magazines, as well as browsing newspapers and so forth in the building because much of Delaware County was without power longer than the library was without power," said Mary Jane Santos, Director Delaware County District Library. "Since schools were canceled Monday and Tuesday, parents, teens, school-aged children and preschoolers also made good use of the library facility and material."
To download a PDF compilation of their responses click here to download the file.
For more about the impact of Hurricane Ike in other states read the ALA article, Libraries Regroup, Reach Out in Wake of Hurricane Ike.
September 3, 2008
Seeking nominations for appointment to the State Library Board
The State Library of Ohio is seeking nominations for appointment to the State Library Board. The term will begin in early 2009 and end December 31, 2013.
The nominated candidate should have experience in at least one of the following areas:
- · As a board member or an employee of a public organization or institution.
- · As a board member or employee of a school, public, academic or specialized library.
- · In the development of equal access to information for all Ohio residents.
- · Changing technologies and their impact on libraries
The State Library Board consists of five members appointed by the State Board of Education. The Board ordinarily meets for a two-day retreat in January and then monthly March through July and again in September, October and December. For information on the specific powers and duties of the State Library Board, please see Chapter 3375.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Current State Library Board members are:
Dr. George W. Paulson, President, of Columbus (term ends 12/31/2010)
Mary Vesper Schwetschenau, Vice President, of Cincinnati (term ends 12/31/2011)
Lucille Hastings of Big Prairie (term ends 12/31/2008)
Lynn Grimshaw of Wheelersburg (term ends 12/31/2009)
Ward Murrey of Caldwell (term ends 12/31/2012)
Current or past board members or employees of school, public, academic or special libraries will be given first consideration for nomination. However, it should be noted that a person cannot serve on a public library board and on the State Library Board concurrently.
The State Library Board has identified the following top strategic goals for FY 2008:
Target 1: The State Library will provide high quality library and information services and products to all organizational units of state government.
Target 2: The State Library will serve as a resource to the library community by providing training, consultation and statewide projects which will enhance library service to Ohio residents.
Target 3: The State Library will be a statewide resource in partnership with local libraries to provide library service to Ohio residents. Our emphasis will be on “virtual” information to meet the anytime, anywhere needs of Ohio residents.
Target 4: The State Library will provide support to its internal customers in the areas of fiscal administration, employee relations, information technology, marketing, building services and delivery.
Send nominations, plus supporting information, by October 8, 2008 to:
Ashlee Clark, Executive Secretary to the State Librarian
State Library of Ohio
274 East First Avenue
Columbus, OH 43201