Contact: Marsha McDevitt-Stredney
January 23, 2012
January 23, 2012
Jennifer Thompson McKell Joins the State Library Board
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that the State Board of Education of Ohio has appointed Jennifer Thompson McKell to the State Library Board. She was sworn in at the January 19 , 2012 State Library Board meeting. Jennifer recently retired after a 38-year career in Ohio public libraries including 31 years as the Director of the Chillicothe and Ross County Public Library. She has held leadership positions and served on community and library committees and advisory councils including the Ohio Library Council Board, Government Relations Committee, Research Committee, State Conference Chair, Southeast Chapter Council, and Ohio Valley Area Libraries. Jennifer also served on the first Ohio LSTA Advisory Council, which advises and counsels the State Library on matters related to the Library Services and Technology Act grant program in Ohio, for six years.
In addition to her strong history of library service, Jennifer has been active in her community having served as the first woman President of the Rotary Club of Chillicothe (1994-1995), Ross County Historical Board, Chillicothe and Ross County Chamber of Commerce Board, United Way of Ross County Budget Committee, and the Walnut Street Preschool Board of Trustees.
The State Library of Ohio is governed by a five member board whose members are appointed to five year terms by the State Board of Education. Under the Ohio Revised Code, section 3375.01, members of the board cannot be recent members of the State Board of Education and cannot serve on the Board of Trustees of any other library while on the State Library Board. When a position becomes available on the Board the State Library sends out a call for nominations to the Ohio Library Community and then forwards the nominations to the State Board of Education for their consideration.
January 20, 2012
Important Information about Statewide Delivery Service with US Cargo
OhioLINK and the State Library of Ohio worked with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) in the spring of 2011 to release a joint bid for statewide delivery services. The existing vendor, US Cargo, won the bid and began work under a new contract on July 1, 2011.
Prior to the new contract start date, US Cargo became a wholly owned subsidiary of Pitt Ohio. In June of 2011, Pitt Ohio conducted a major reorganization of the US Cargo routes with the intent to make the system more efficient.
The State Library, DAS, and OhioLINK recently received formal notice from US Cargo cancelling their contract with the State of Ohio.The letter is dated January 5th, 2012 and provides a 60 day notice of termination, as specified in the contract.
After multiple discussions and meetings between all parties, it has been determined that rebidding the contract is our only option. We cannot legally renegotiate the terms of the current contract with US Cargo. DAS is moving forward quickly to rebid the contract, but the timelines will be very tight. The US Cargo contract will end March 6, 2012. It is highly possible that the price per stop will go up. How these new costs will be funded is being explored.
The State Library understands that this change will be a hardship. We are working diligently to address the problem in a timely manner. We will keep you informed throughout the process.
If you have any questions, please contact Steve Updegraff, Statewide Delivery Project Manager.
Steve Updegraff, Head of Transport & Facility Services
State Library of Ohio
Phone: 614-728-9573
January 13, 2012
David Namiotka Promoted to Associate State Librarian for Library Services
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce the promotion of David Namiotka to Associate State Librarian for Library Services. David joined the State Library in 2007 as Director of Information Systems and Technology, where he has been responsible for leadership and management of the Information Technology Department, leading statewide initiatives such as the Ohio Libraries Share: MORE statewide resource sharing program and the Ohio eBook project, and acting as a member of the State Library’s management team. David came to the State Library from Seattle, Washington, where his work included technology systems management, team leadership, capacity planning and development.
As Associate State Librarian for Library Services, David will lead and manage the Library Services Division of the State Library of Ohio. The Library Services Division includes several large program areas within the State Library: Research and Catalog Services; Circulation and Special Services, including the Ohio Talking Book Program; Information Systems and Technology; and Facility and Transport Services. In his new role, David will continue to serve as the agency’s Chief Information Officer and will advise the State Librarian and senior management on overall agency operations, policy formation, budgeting, strategic planning, and program evaluation.
David is recognized as a team player with strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. These skills, combined with his thorough knowledge of State Library programs and services, were deciding factors in David’s selection as Associate State Librarian. State Librarian Beverly Cain says, “I look forward to working with David in his new role. He understands and supports the direction I have set for the State Library and will be instrumental in drafting and implementing our new strategic plan. He has a solid understanding of the programs and services provided by the Library Services Division and the leadership skills necessary to help raise the profile of the Division, which provides direct services to Ohio’s state government, libraries, and residents.” David earned an Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Scranton and a Master of Science degree in Physics from Lehigh University.
January 12, 2012
State Library of Ohio Selects Three Projects as Exemplary Programs for the LSTA 2011 Program Report to the IMLS
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that three projects have been selected as Exemplary Programs for the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) 2011 Program Report to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The State Library of Ohio staff selected the Legacy Library, Marietta College for digitization project; the Mary L. Cook Public Library for a Choose to Read Ohio project and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County for the preservation and virtual access to the 1848 Panorama of Cincinnati daguerreotype.
During Federal fiscal year 2011 (October 2010 through September 2011), the State Library of Ohio awarded 59 LSTA grants. A total of 71 libraries submitted 83 applications. Fifty-nine grants were awarded to 48 institutions.
>LSTA was enacted on September 30, 1996 and enables public, school, academic, and special libraries to apply for federal library funds. IMLS, the agency which oversees the LSTA, provides LSTA funds each year to the State Library of Ohio. IMLS is a federal agency that fosters innovation, leadership and a lifetime of learning through the support of museum and library programs.
As part of the Report to IMLS, the State Library of Ohio must identify three to six exemplary projects. State Library staff selects these projects based on their relation to LSTA goals, impact of the project on the target population and the ability to be replicated in other parts of the state.
LSTA 2011 Exemplary Programs in Ohio
Legacy Library, Marietta College: This project allowed for the digitization of a significant collection of materials related to the history of Southeastern Ohio, particularly those items that had a relevance to the region’s role in the Civil War. Additionally two photograph collections depicting soldiers from the 53rd and 91st OVI regiments were made available online. During the project period approximately 3,000 images were scanned and are now available through OhioLINK. This timely project makes valuable historical resources accessible that support the Civil War 150 initiative. The feedback mechanism, currently under development for a web-based form to elicit usage and demographic information also led to the exemplary designation.
Mary L. Cook Public Library (Waynesville): The inspiration for library programming in 2011 included three Choose to Read Ohio (CTRO) titles that also supported the Civil War 150 initiative. This project exemplified the breadth of programming and community involvement that a library can use with CTRO. Civil War programming (both CTRO and non-CTRO programming) ran from January through September. The three CTRO titles selected (“The Lost Quilter,” “Coal Black Horse,” and “The Brothers’ Civil War: Civil War Voices in Verse”) tied strongly to Waynesville/Warren County’s historical significance as a Quaker community and participation in the anti-slavery movement. The project, which involved a wide range of partners, included community reads, author visits, displays and special events and activities. The partnerships and programming served as a vehicle for community-building, while paving the way for future collaborations.
Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCHC): The PLCHC project provided physical and virtual access to the 1848 Panorama of Cincinnati daguerreotype. The daguerreotype had not been displayed in over 60 years. Not only does the public now have access to this resource physically, but they have access to it virtually as well. Using touch screens, users are able to zoom in to specific areas and view the images in greater resolution. Additionally, PLCHC staff has researched various points of interest on the images and provided information about specific buildings or locations that can be seen on the panorama. All this has produced a resurgence of interest in local history and the panorama is a valuable resource for genealogists. The technology used has also enhanced its value as an instructional tool to see and learn about early American life. This project is a superb example of a library working to preserve cultural heritage and make history engaging.
Additional information about the grant program is available on the Ohio LSTA webpage.
January 9, 2012 
Jamie Pardee joins the staff of the State Library of Ohio as Head, Fiscal Services
The State Library of Ohio is pleased to announce that Jamie L. Pardee has joined its staff as Head, Fiscal Services. Jamie will oversee all activities of the Fiscal Services department of the State Library of Ohio including budgeting (operating and capital), accounts payable, accounts receivable, purchasing, inventory, payroll, and financial reporting. She will coordinate use of the Ohio Administrative Knowledge System (OAKS) and will serve as the State Library liaison with other state agencies such as the Office of Budget & Management and the Auditor of State. She will ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, generate reports and analysis, and advise managers on the financial status of the State Library.
Jamie has 14 years of service with the State of Ohio of which 10 years have been in a fiscal capacity. She has worked for the Ohio Department of Education and, most recently, the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities where she was a Fiscal Officer in Accounts Receivable. Jamie has an Associate’s Degree in Computer Programming from Central Ohio Technical College and has completed accounting coursework at Franklin University.
January 3, 2012
Diane Fink, State Library of Ohio’s Chief Fiscal Officer and Head, Fiscal & Business Services to Retire
After more than thirty-two years working for the State of Ohio, including 28 years at the State Library of Ohio, Diane Fink, Chief Fiscal Officer and Head, Fiscal & Business Services will retire at the end of January 2012. The State Library of Ohio Board recently recognized Diane for her many years providing an unparalleled level of professional service, leadership, hard work and dedication to the State Library of Ohio and the Ohio library community. Diane was also recognized for exceptional service in working with OPLIN, SEO, and the Ohioana Library.
In 1983 Diane began working in the Accounting Department at the State Library. She advanced to Supervisor of Fiscal Services by 1985 and Chief Fiscal Officer in 1996. Through numerous reorganizations Diane’s responsibilities grew to include Transportation & Facility Services and most recently Employee Services.
The Board and staff of the State Library of Ohio, and the Ohio Library community congratulates Diane on her retirement. For more information about Diane's recognition, click on links to download the resolutions from the State Library of Ohio Board and the OPLIN Board.
Pictured L-R: Front row- Dr. Andrea Tiktin-Fanti, Board member; Diane Fink, Chief Fiscal Officer and Head, Fiscal & Business Services
Back row- Stephen Wood, Board Vice-President; Lynn Grimshaw, Board member; Ward Murrey, Board President; Beverly Cain, State Librarian; and John Myles Board member