May 20, 2009
Ohio eBook Project is now open for enrollment

The Ohio eBook Project (OEP) is open for enrollment until June 12, 2009. This multi-type library, statewide project allows Ohio libraries to provide digital materials to their patrons at a considerable savings because the State Library assumed the project's start-up cost and pays the monthly maintenance fee.  Visit the Ohio eBook Project web site, http://ohdbks.lib.overdrive.com, to view the collection. Libraries that enroll must pay a one-time set up fee and agree to pledge up to 1% of their materials budget to the OEP collection, in addition to a few other requirements. Please see a full list of requirements at http://www.library.ohio.gov/IT/ebook.  

An FAQ is available at http://www.library.ohio.gov/IT/ebook/FAQ. Libraries interested in joining the Ohio eBook Project for a July 31, 2009 launch should contact Nicole Merriman at oep@sloma.state.oh.us by Friday, June 12, 2009.

May 18, 2009
Ohio Delegates Attend National Library Legislative Day 2009

The group, representing libraries across the state, informed Ohio members of Congress about the current issues facing Ohio libraries.The main message was one of thanks for previous support of funding for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) and encouragement to support funding the FY 10 request at $300 million. LSTA funds have been used to help Ohio libraries in a variety of ways including supporting the Libraries Connect Databases, a statewide competitive grants program, Statewide Resource Sharing efforts and the KnowItNow 24/7 online reference service. In addition to telling the Ohio story, the participants carried specific messages on several issues of importance to libraries at the national level. Please visit the ALA Washington Office website at http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/wo/washevents/nlld/nlld2009.cfm#agen for more details.

Sixteen enthusiastic library advocates from Ohio joined hundreds of colleagues from across the country for the 35th annual National Library Legislative Day on Tuesday, May 12, in Washington DC. The American Library Association sponsored the event.  

May 7, 2009
New sites added for the Job and Career Resources Workshops

The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Civilian Labor Force Estimates show unemployment rates have increased dramatically in most Ohio counties, with some rates above 15.0 percent. Many unemployed workers are turning to public libraries for job search resources and assistance. To help libraries prepare to meet this demand, the State Library of Ohio awarded an Institute of Museum and Library Services LSTA grant to the Stark County District Library to conduct free workshops for librarians assisting community members to learn about and apply for jobs. The one-day sessions will include information for libraries about how to identify and target sectors seeking employment, develop community partnerships and sponsors, provide job and career workshops, explore job fairs, offer job and career services, seek marketing promotions, utilize library material resources, feature internet sources and evaluate feedback.

These free workshops are scheduled at eight public libraries around the state during the months of May and June 2009. Renee Williams, MLS, First Assistant Reference Services, Stark County District Library has developed the workshops and will train librarians to help community members who are coping with unemployment.