The Ohio Library Council is the statewide professional association which represents the interests of Ohio’s public libraries, their trustees, Friends and staffs.

The membership of the OLC is composed of public library systems, library trustees, Friends of the Library groups, library staff members, other library institutions, and library-related commercial vendors.

The OLC is governed by a Board of Directors composed of three library employees with an MLS or MLIS degree, three library trustees currently serving on library boards, and seven at-large members. Also involved in the governance of the OLC are the members who volunteer to participate in the activities of the association’s Committees and Divisions.

What is the Ohio Library Council? (PDF)

Mission Statement

The Ohio Library Council is the forum in which Ohio’s public library community is strengthened through advocacy, education, collaboration, and innovation.

Strategic Plan:

GOAL 1: Advocate the interests of Ohio’s public libraries, with a focused commitment to ensure adequate state funding.

• Promote the interests of Ohio’s public libraries and the essential services they provide to citizens throughout the state.
• Protect and restore state funding to the Public Library Fund (PLF) during state budget deliberations.
• Ensure that the Administration and the General Assembly understand the value of public libraries, the role they play in their local communities, and the importance of the PLF.
• Increase public awareness of the value of libraries and position Ohio’s public libraries as an essential public service.

GOAL 2: Develop high-quality public library administrators, staff members, Trustees, and Friends through unsurpassed education and training.

• Create and deliver a comprehensive array of value-added, high quality educational content and programs that address members’ needs, develop outstanding library staffs, and enhance the services of their libraries.
• Recognize members’ interests in life-long learning and continuous improvement, and that their continuing education needs change as their careers progress.
• Understand the diverse nature of adult learning and utilize technology and appropriate formats to deliver education.
• Create cost-effective educational programming that meets the needs of Ohio’s public libraries and respects their geographic location, size, and limited economic resources.

GOAL 3: Position the OLC as the collective voice for Ohio’s public libraries and the authoritative source of information on issues impacting Ohio’s public libraries.

• Deliver knowledge-based information that is essential to the effective governance, administration, and operations for Ohio’s public libraries.
• Effectively use technology to meet members’ needs for fast and efficient access to valuable information and resources.
• Proactively identify and analyze current issues and emerging trends that impact public libraries.

GOAL 4: Sustain an organizational structure that is flexible and responsive to members’ needs, inspires member engagement, and reinforces organizational success.

• Maintain an OLC organizational structure that supports the mission of the organization while being flexible, sustainable and inclusive.
• Promote organizational and operational decision-making that is data-based and financially sound.
• Cultivate leaders within the OLC who aspire to guide the organization and actively engage in the important work of their professional association.
• Establish an organizational culture that recognizes and promotes a racially and culturally inclusive membership.
• Create and implement a strategic plan that will increase opportunities for non-dues revenue.
• Assure that the appropriate resources and technology are in place to retain a competent staff to accomplish organization’s goals and objectives.

OLC Code of Regulations (PDF)

OLC Organizational Chart (PDF)

OLC Board of Directors

OLC Staff

Anti-Harassment Policy (PDF)

Cancellation Policy

125th Anniversary