The State Library of Ohio has made the difficult decision to cancel Library Leadership Ohio 2010.

The State Library of Ohio accepted applications for Library Leadership Ohio until 5 p.m. on February, 1, 2010.  Although we believe this to be a valuable program, there were not sufficient applications to make it cost effective to offer the institute.

Many factors contributed to the low numbers.  The downturn in the economy has meant that libraries cannot subsidize staff attendance to the degree possible in the past.  Because of staff reductions, it is more difficult for any library director to release staff members for a week of professional development.

The increased cost of attending the Library Leadership Ohio was also probably a contributing factor.  You may recall that in 2008, the State Library was informed that Library Services and Technology Act funds could not be used to subsidize the Library Leadership Ohio.  This year the State Library staff worked with the Institute of Museum and Library Service in conjunction with the program coordinators to remedy this situation so that LSTA funds could be used.  This, however, did not reduce the cost to individuals as much as desired.

Because of the state of the economy, libraries were not asked to contribute to this effort as they have been in the past.  At a time when libraries are closing branches, imposing furloughs on staff, and reducing hours of service to the public, this did not feel appropriate.

We hope to reschedule Library Leadership Ohio at a future date for Ohio librarians to benefit from Library Leadership Ohio.  Thank you.

Jo Budler,  State Librarian
State Library of Ohio
274 East First Ave, Suite 100,
Columbus, OH 43201
Phone:  614-644-6843; 800-686-1532 (Ohio only)
Fax: 614-466-3584

http://www.library.ohio.gov