September 2008
State Librarian’s Report
Jo Budler

WebJunction Ohio Launches

Where librarians can learn, share ideas, and work together to improve library services throughout Ohio.

The State Library of Ohio has launched WebJunction Ohio in partnership with WebJunction and in conjunction with their new platform release. The WebJunction collaboration provides new and exciting opportunities including online learning, content rich resources, social networking, live online interactive training and meetings using WIMBA, a statewide events calendar, and more.

The development and release of the new WebJunction platform as well as launching WebJunction Ohio has been an exciting path with several twists and turns. That path has led to a very positive collaborative support system in Ohio, among state library partners around the country, and the WebJunction staff.

Joining us along this journey has been an advisory board with representatives from Ohio urban and rural libraries, regional library systems, and library organizations. To see the list (PDF) of advisory board members click here.

Marsha McDevitt-Stredney is coordinating WebJunction Ohio and is in the process of transferring the Librarians Toolkit and Continuing Education related content from our site to WebJunction Ohio. Jay Burton and Missy Lodge have played an integral role in the launch by working with Marsha, the advisory group, and state library staff. Jay is already using the WIMBA platform for his Continuing Education trainings and Missy is working with her Library Programs & Development staff to review and revitalize the Librarians Toolkit content. Together we have solicited input through a variety of needs assessment tools and incorporated feedback into the overall design and structure of WebJunction Ohio.

WebJunction and the library community at large continue to provide a wide array of resources and opportunities for professional development. Now it's Ohio's turn to contribute resources and establish networking communities unique to our state.

How will we measure success? The ultimate impact and outcomes of WebJunction Ohio will rest upon each of us in the Ohio library community. In order for WebJunction Ohio to be successful, we need to embrace online communities, learning and content sharing, and the joy of working in libraries with each other.

WebJunction Ohio: http://oh.webjunction.org

WebJunction Ohio is service of the State Library of Ohio and funded by a federal IMLS LSTA grant.

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