INFOhio Community

The State Library of Ohio is seeking nominations for appointment to a five-year term on the State Library Board. The successful appointee will serve January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2027. Board members are eligible to serve two terms on the State Library Board.

 The nominated candidate should have experience in at least one of the following areas:

• As a board member or an employee of a public organization or institution.
• As a board member or former employee of a school, public, academic or specialized library.
• In the development of equal access to information for all Ohio residents.
• Changing technologies and their impact on libraries.

The State Library Board consists of five members appointed by the State Board of Education.  The Board typically meets six times a year beginning in January. The upcoming schedule can be found here.  For information on the specific powers and duties of the State Library Board, please see Section 3375.01 of the Ohio Revised Code.  The Board will evaluate candidates’ diversity, geographic locations, and relevant experience, and forward candidates’ information along with a recommendation to be considered for appointment by the State Board of Education.

Current State Library Board members are:
        Alan Hall, President, of Steubenville (term ends 12/31/22)
        Janet Carleton, Vice-President, of Athens (term ends 12/31/24)
        Laurie Gemmill Arp of Columbus (term ends 12/31/23)
        Theresa Fredericka of Lakewood (term ends 12/31/25)
        Drew Wichterman of Dayton (term ends 12/31/26)

Current or past board members or former employees of school, public, academic, or special libraries will be given first consideration for nomination. However, it should be noted that a person cannot serve on a public library board and on the State Library Board concurrently.

The State Library Board has identified the following top strategic goals for the agency:

        Goal 1: Raise Awareness
       Goal 2: Widen Access
       Goal 3: Lead Innovation

Please complete and return the State Library Board Nomination Form, plus any supporting information such as a resume or curriculum vitae and letters of support, to Julia Ward, Executive Secretary to the State Librarian’s Office, at jward@library.ohio.gov by 12:00 p.m. on September 16, 2022.