The State Library compiles and maintains a variety of directories for different types of Ohio libraries. These directories are available for the public to view, download, and print.
If your library has updates for any directories compiled by the State Library, please email Julia Ward at jward@library.ohio.gov.
Public Libraries
Ohio has 251 public library systems with 481 branch locations, for a total of 732 library outlets. DataOhio includes dashboards with directory information for all public library systems in Ohio. Directory information may be exported as a .csv file.
View a brief demonstration that highlights some of the DataOhio Portal’s key features.
Ohio Public Libraries dashboard on DataOhio
The Ohio Public Libraries dataset contains a list of all public libraries and their branches. Select “Visualize” to see the dashboard list on DataOhio. Use the dashboard to view a map and find information on each library’s address, library system, and associated Ohio Senate, Ohio House, and U.S. Congressional districts.
Ohio Public Libraries Director List dashboard on DataOhio
The Ohio Public Libraries Director List includes the director (or equivalent) for each of Ohio’s public libraries or library system. Each entry includes a name, address, phone number, and email, as well as URL for the library’s main website. Select “Visualize” to see the dashboard list on DataOhio.
You can also find public libraries in Ohio (and the State Library) by using this map. Zoom into an area of the state and click on a library icon for location and contact information.
Click here or on the map’s banner to view full screen in Google Maps.
Regional Libraries Systems
Ohio Regional Library Systems are member-driven, multi-type library organizations that coordinate and facilitate the development of professional development events and other innovative services for Ohio academic, public, school and special libraries.
There are four Regional Library Systems in Ohio:
Funding
The State Library of Ohio’s total amount allocated the Regional Library Systems for each fiscal year is $500,000. Each regional receives $125,000.
These state dollars are to be used to fund the basics: provide a director, clerk treasurer, CE coordinator, facility rent, utilities and provide technical support to libraries through the Regional.
Services
The primary function of the Regional Library Systems is to provide library continuing education. Click here to see the statewide CE Ohio calendar.
Special services and products have been developed by individual organizations and Regional Library Systems. Regionals are encouraged to develop new models for sharing these services and products which might be of interest to libraries across the state.
Membership
All libraries, of all types, are considered “associate” or “core” members of the Regional Library System service area within which it falls geographically. These libraries have access to core services provided by the State Library and delivered through the Regional Library Systems. Any additional library services and discounts are available through membership in the Regional Library Systems.
Depository Libraries
The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure that the American public has access to its Government’s information. GPO (Government Publishing Office) administers the FDLP on behalf of the participating libraries and the public. Information products from the Federal Government are disseminated to these nationwide libraries that, in turn, ensure the American public has free access to the materials, both in print and online.
A list of depository libraries in Ohio is available via the Federal Depository Library Directory (FDLD).
Central Ohio
The central Ohio area comprises Franklin County and adjacent counties. Within this area are nine selective depository libraries and one regional depository library:
- State Library of Ohio
- Capital University Library
- Columbus Metropolitan Library
- Denison University Libraries
- The Ohio State University Main Library
- Ohio State University College of Law Library
- Ohio Wesleyan University
- Otterbein College Courtright Memorial Library
- Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library
- Worthington Public Library
Links to Other Ohio Library Directories & Specialty Libraries
- Academic libraries (spreadsheet)
- Institution libraries (spreadsheet)
- Library of Congress
- Medical libraries ( spreadsheet)
- National Library of Medicine
- Ohio County Law Libraries
- Ohio History Connection Archives/Library
- Ohioana – Collection of books & music by Ohioans or about Ohio
- Public Libraries in other States
- National Archives: Presidential Libraries
- State of Ohio Agency libraries (spreadsheet)
- States/Territory/District/Commonwealth Libraries