Contact: Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
Marketing & Communications
State Library of Ohio
Tel: 614-644-6875
August 28, 2009
State Library of Ohio updates website with Public Library Boundaries information
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce a new resource for finding information about public library boundaries. The Library Law section of the State Library’s website provides details about types of public libraries and a new page on Public Library Boundaries. “As libraries throughout Ohio project their revenue and expenditures some are planning to ask their voters for funding support,” said State Librarian Jo Budler. “We have had an increase in the number of libraries contacting us for boundary information before placing a levy on the ballot. In response to these inquiries, we have enhanced our website with additional data and information.”
The Library Boundaries page provides quick and easy access to relevant Ohio Revised Code and information about procedures for adjusting, defining or redefining public library Boundaries.
For more information contact Bill Morris, Governmental Affairs Coordinator at (614) 728-5118 or wmorris@sloma.state.oh.us
August 13, 2009
LSTA Funds Available: Special grant program for Choose To Read Ohio programs
Choose to Read Ohio is a project of the State Library of Ohio designed to promote reading across Ohio. We hope to connect children, families, and all Ohioans in the experience of sharing literature together.
The Choose to Read Ohio has one main goal which is to encourage the reading of books together across Ohio communities. Ohio’s citizens of all ages will choose to read a title together over a six week period between National Library Week, (April, 2009) and the end of 2010. It is hoped that they will come together to discuss these books in a variety of settings – local public libraries, schools, churches, daycares, or other organizations. Book titles, discussion questions and additional resources for each book, and promotional items can all be found at http://oh.webjunction.org/ohctrointro
Choose to Read Ohio encourages Ohioans to Read Together, Read Ohio, and Read for Life.
This special Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant program will provide funds to libraries to implement a Choose to Read Ohio program in their community. The RFP for the Choose to Read Ohio grant can be found below at: http://oh.webjunction.org/ohlstactro
The three page proposal must be submitted electronically to Missy Lodge, mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us by midnight on October 18, 2009. Funded proposals will run from January 1, 2010 – September 30, 2010.
Questions should be addressed to Missy Lodge at mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us or 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6914
August 13, 2009
LSTA Funds Available: Special grant program for Services to the Blind and Physically Handicapped
The State Library of Ohio, in partnership with Universal Low Vision Aids (ULVA), is pleased to announce a special LSTA grant opportunity to Ohio libraries.
Through this partnership ULVA is offering, for a limited time, eligible libraries the ability to purchase the VictorReader Stream at a discounted price. Through the LSTA process, the local cash match for each VictorReader Stream unit will be $92.50.
The VictorReader Stream is an ultra-compact unit for the blind and those with visual impairments. Fitting into the palm of a hand, the Reader allows users to download books, from novels to textbooks and complex manuals. Perhaps most importantly the VictorReader Stream is compatible with the National Library Services’ (NLS) new digital talking books. A wealth of content is available for use on the Readers.
As NLS begins to distribute the new digital reader, the VictorReader Stream offers another option for library patrons.
To view a YouTube video of Ohioan Eric Duffy demonstrating the features of the VictorReader Stream go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy7UlyZf_aQ
More information on the VictorReader Stream can be found at: http://www.humanware.com/en-usa/products/blindness/dtb_players/compact_models/_details/id_81/victorreader_stream.html. You can also see a Humanware Technologies YouTube video about the VictorReader Stream at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g54Y8kdrsHk
The RFP for the VictorReader Stream grants can be found at http://oh.webjunction.org/ohlstaspecial.
The two page proposal must be submitted electronically to Missy Lodge, mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us by midnight on November 1, 2009. Funded proposals will run from January 1, 2010 – June 30, 2010. In order to qualify for the discount, equipment must be purchased from ULVA between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2010.
Questions should be addressed to Missy Lodge at mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us or 800-686-1532 or 614-644-6914
August 11, 2009
State Library of Ohio LSTA Minigrant Funds Available
The State Library is pleased to announce the availability of Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) minigrant funds for FY10. All types of libraries (public, school, academic, special) may apply for funding. Grant funds are available to fund projects in the areas of: Technological Innovation, Automation, Targeted Populations and Services to Youth.
Under the minigrant program a maximum of $24,000 in federal funds may be requested. A local match is also required; the local match must be 25% of the total project amount. Approved proposals will run from April 1, 2010 - August 31, 2010.
The Request for Proposal, Application Guidelines and other documents to assist with preparing the application can be found on WebJunction Ohio at: http://oh.webjunction.org/ohllsatamini.
Changes have been made to the categories in which libraries may apply. Additionally, there are changes related to the information being requested so make sure to read the Application Guidelines carefully.
LSTA staff is available to answer questions throughout the application process and are willing to read draft proposals.
Proposals are due at the State Library by 4:00 p.m., October 28, 2009. An original and six copies are required. The original should be printed on one side only, copies should be printed back-to-back.
Questions on the LSTA mini-grant program should be addressed to Missy Lodge, Head, Library Programs and Development at 800-686-1532 or mlodge@sloma.state.oh.us.