A Different Allocation Formula: Lessons From the 2009 Public Library Fund Crisis

 

Community Library in Sunbury Passes Levy

 

Coping with Library Budget Cuts

 

Joining SEO Will Help Our Budget Crunch

 

Positive News in a Difficult Budget Climate

 

Public Library Boundaries and Library Levies

 

SaveOhioLibraries.com: A Grassroots Effort

 

State Library of Ohio and The Ohio State University Extension to Offer Program for Public Library Employees

 

Recently added to the State Library Circulating Collection and Selected Digital Titles from the eBook Project

As we begin 2010, I’m encouraged that all types of libraries in Ohio continue to be strongly supported by their patrons and communities. The number of levies that passed in 2009 demonstrates just how much Ohioans value their libraries. Difficult situations often lead to creative and innovative solutions. Libraries are exploring new sources for funding, reducing expenditures, forming new partnerships, joining ILS consortia, and working together to raise awareness about library funding issues.

 

In this issue, Sunbury Community Library chronicles the passing of their levy.  Mandy Knapp details the grassroots efforts of saveohiolibraries.com in the wake of the proposed budget cuts to the Public Library Fund.  Tipp City Public Library’s Director outlines a new way to allocate library budgets.  Additionally, information on an upcoming program for public libraries to develop collaborations with area extension offices through programs and projects is included.

 

Resource sharing through an ILS such as the SEO Library Center Consortium enables libraries to greatly expand the collection available to their patrons.  In this issue, you will read about Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library joining SEO to assist them during these difficult fiscal times. Membership in SEO Consortium has seen steady growth from 63 library systems in 2001 to 76 library systems today. Participating libraries have access to over six million items for their patrons.

 

The federal IMLS LSTA funding for statewide databases, library programs and development, and special projects helps all types of libraries provide services that they could not afford to do on their own.