Calendar

Jul
19
Wed
2023
Library Facilities Conference @ Quest Conference Center Columbus
Jul 19 all-day

Sponsored by the Ohio Library Council

Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 7/12/23

Registration Fees:
Member: $150* | Non-member: $300

*In order to qualify for the member rate, the registrant must be an Individual member of the Ohio Library Council.

Conference Overview: This conference will focus on a variety of topics including construction/renovation, space planning, makerspace areas, disaster/emergency planning, building systems, energy efficiency, funding/budgeting, and preventative maintenance.

Conference Agenda and Session Descriptions

Intended Audience: Library leadership, Management, Fiscal Officers and others responsible for making decisions about library facilities

What’s Included: Morning refreshments and lunch. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the workshop, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this conference will count as six (6) contact hours of credit.

Accommodations: There are three hotels located within walking distance of the Quest Conference Center: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Columbus Polaris (614-568-0770); Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Columbus Polaris (614-885-8400); and Four Points by Sheraton Columbus Polaris (614-844-5888). Please call them directly to check on rates and availability.


Conference Planning Committee:

Kristen Payne, Chair
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

Monica Baughman
Worthington Libraries

Cara Bolley
Defiance Public Library System

Molly DeFosse
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

Chris Ginley
Rocky River Public Library

Ben Lathrop
Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library

PDC Liaison:
Jennifer Buch
Huron Public Library

Aug
3
Thu
2023
State Budget Update Webinar @ Ohio Library Council via Zoom
Aug 3 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Register at my OLC | Registration deadline: 8/1/23

FREE* for OLC members only.
*Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional member libraries

When registering, click “Finalize This Transaction” instead of “Pay Now” as there is no cost to participate.

NOTE: Webinar access information will be sent via e-mail. Please check that your correct e-mail address is listed in your my OLC profile page.

Overview: The legislature has completed their work on the state budget, House Bill (HB) 33, for Fiscal Years 2024-2025. Join the OLC for a final update on all of the changes made by the budget conference committee and vetoes issued by the governor that impact Ohio’s public libraries.

Presenters: Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services and Michelle Francis, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council

If you are unable to participate in the live presentation, the webinar will be recorded and posted on the OLC website.

Aug
4
Fri
2023
Outreach and Special Services Retreat @ DoubleTree by Hilton Columbus Dublin
Aug 4 @ 9:30 am – 3:15 pm

sponsored by the Outreach and Special Services Division

Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 7/28/23

Registration Fees:  Member $65* | Non-member $130

*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries. 

Program Overview: Gather successful collaborative ideas from colleagues and share your library’s successful outreach initiatives with others. Come prepared to refresh, rejuvenate, and revitalize your library’s outreach programs and services!

Intended Audience:  All library staff members interested in outreach services.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this conference will count as five (5) contact hours of credit.

What’s Included: Morning refreshments and lunch. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the retreat, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. The handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program.

Ohio Public Library Core Competencies Addressed: Patron Awareness, Customer Service, Community Engagement

Hotel Accommodations: A room block has been reserved at the DoubleTree by Hilton (PH: 614-956-3400) for Thurs., Aug. 3. Reserve your room online to receive the special rate of $99/night (plus fees and taxes).  Reservation deadline date: Fri., July 14.


Agenda

9:30 a.m. | Registration, Refreshments and Networking

9:55 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions

10 a.m. | Inclusive Outreach and Programming

Presenter: Mary Slater, Teen Librarian and Maryanne Haller, Children’s Librarian, Cuyahoga County Public Library

Strengthen your service to the community through adaptive and inclusive programming and outreach. During this session, you will explore adaptive programming opportunities in your community, including schools (to present in the classroom or at the library) and community organizations. The Cuyahoga County Public Library offers programming to the public and also exclusive programming to partner organizations. Teen Librarian Mary Slater and Children’s Librarian Maryanne Haller will explain the programming they do in the library for groups (both integrated programming and specialized programming) and their partnerships with schools (from an inclusive preschool to high school special education classes). They will also explain how they partner with community organizations like the local recreation department and Out and About Ohio (a young adult organization) to create sensory-friendly programming for their groups.

11 a.m. | Break

11:15 a.m. | Partnering with Parks

Presenters: Shannon Keese, Youth Services, Fairfield County District Library; Marie Corbitt, Outreach Librarian, Westerville Public Library; and Amanda Rome, Children Services Outreach Librarian, Stow-Monroe Falls Public Library

Studies show that being out in nature provides many benefits, such as reducing anxiety and increasing critical thinking. This panel of library staff will discuss partnering with local park districts. They will talk about successful program ideas and best practices for building successful partnerships.

12:15 p.m. | Lunch

1 p.m. | Dementia-Friendly Library

Presenters: Bonnie Burman, President, Ohio Council for Cognitive Health

Learn how the Dementia Friends program being presented in libraries across the state is changing the way Ohioans think, act and talk about dementia. During this session, you will learn how to communicate and engage with library patrons who are living with memory changes. You will gain a better understanding of how dementia affects individuals, family members and you can help people living with the disease. You will also gain a better understanding of how to create dementia-friendly spaces in your library and how to take take your services on the road to senior care communities. You will come away from this session will ideas for hosting dementia education programs, support groups, Memory Cafes and more at your library.

2 p.m. | Break

2:15 p.m. | Rural Communities and the Amish

Presenter: Nicholas McFarren, Outreach Library Assistant, Orrville Public Library

There are a many unserved, but potential, library patrons living in rural areas of Ohio. This session will show you how to reach them. Alicia Evans, Outreach Manager with the Geauga County Library and Nicholas McFarren, Outreach Library Assistant with the Orrville Public Library will share the strategies they employed to reach people in rural areas, including Amish community members. This session will provide a number of outreach ideas, programs and tips that you can implement back at your library.

3 p.m. | Wrap-up and Adjourn

 

Aug
10
Thu
2023
Small Libraries Forum @ Amherst Public Library
Aug 10 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration:
Registration is free for OLC Institutional Members Libraries. Please be sure to indicate which forum you will attend when registering using the link below. Program does not include lunch.

Register Now

Sponsor: Small Libraries Division

Who Should Attend: Directors of small libraries

Overview:
OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis will provide an update on several items of interest, including state funding and what to expect for the Public Library Fund as well as answer any questions you may have about OLC activities. The forum also will allow time for discussions with your peers about issues and challenges unique to small libraries.

Aug
24
Thu
2023
Small Libraries Forum @ Perry County District Library, Somerset Branch
Aug 24 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration:
Registration is free for OLC Institutional Members Libraries. Please be sure to indicate which forum you will attend when registering using the link below. Program does not include lunch.

Register Now

Sponsor: Small Libraries Division

Who Should Attend: Directors of small libraries

Overview:
OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis will provide an update on several items of interest, including state funding and what to expect for the Public Library Fund as well as answer any questions you may have about OLC activities. The forum also will allow time for discussions with your peers about issues and challenges unique to small libraries.

Aug
31
Thu
2023
Library Fiscal Officer 102 @ Ohio Library Council
Aug 31 @ 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Sponsored by the Library Accounting Division

This is a hybrid event. Participants can attend in person at the OLC office in Dublin (Northwest Columbus) or online with the same access to workshop content.

Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 8/24/23

Registration Fees:
Member: $75* | Non-member: $150

*OLC Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries

Please note: When registering on your my OLC account, be sure to indicate your registration type — select in person OR virtually. If you have a change to your registration, please notify the OLC office at least one week prior to the program.

Program Overview:
This workshop is primarily designed for new public library fiscal officers, deputy fiscal officers, and directors, but it can also serve as a valuable refresher. You will gain a better understanding of the main duties of a public library fiscal officer and get the latest information on fund accounting, budgeting, reporting, OPERS, library funding and key legislative issues impacting public libraries. This is an opportunity to learn from and share ideas with other public library fiscal officers from around the state.

Intended Audience: New public library fiscal officers, deputy fiscal officers, directors, or anyone who would like an overview of the functions performed by public library fiscal officers.

What’s Included: Morning coffee, light refreshments and lunch will be provided for those who attend at the OLC office. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the conference, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. All handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this webinar counts as 6 continuing education contact hours of credit.

CPIM Credit: This workshop has been approved by the Ohio Treasurer’s Center for Public Investment Management (CPIM) for 5.5 hours of continuing education credit. Following the workshop, you must report your hours to MyCPIM.

Core Competencies Addressed: Fiscal Operations and Organizational Awareness


AGENDA

9 a.m. | Registration / Join the Zoom classroom

9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | History of the Public Library Fund and Legislative Update

  • Michelle Francis, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council
  • Jay Smith, Director of Government and Legal Services, Ohio Library Council

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. | Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m. | Library Fiscal Officer Calendar

  • Robert Dolan, Fiscal Officer, Cuyahoga County Public Library
  • Lisa Havlin, Fiscal Officer, Geauga County Public Library

11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Intro to OPLIN and E-Rate

  • Don Yarman, Executive Director, Ohio Public Library Information Network

12 – 12:45 p.m. | Lunch

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. | AOS Update / Preparing for Your Audit and Detailed Reporting

  • Joey Jones, Chief Auditor, Ohio Auditor of State Keith Faber’s Office
  • Amie Lynn, Fiscal Officer, Massillon Public Library

1:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Break

2 – 3:30 p.m. | OPERS Reporting and Library Reporting

  • Sarah Carr, Employer Compliance Specialist, OPERS

3:30 – 4 p.m. | Workers’ Comp and PERRP Reporting

  • Renée Peck, Director, Ohio BWC, Public Employment Risk Reduction Program

4 p.m. | Adjourn

 

Sep
27
Wed
2023
2023 Convention and Expo @ Duke Energy Convention Center
Sep 27 – Sep 29 all-day

Mark your 2023 calendar:
The Ohio Library Council’s Convention and Expo will be held September 27-29 at the Duke Energy Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.

Keynotes:
Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone
Justin A. Reynolds
Jennifer Pastiloff

Highlights:
Award-Winning Authors
Ohio’s largest marketplace of products and services for libraries
50+ professional development sessions (all linked to an Ohio Public Library Core Competency)
Poster Sessions
OLC Connects (Learn how to get involved with OLC Divisions and Committees)
Cool tech for libraries and Makerspace ideas
Fun and entertaining networking opportunities
Galley giveaways, games, door prizes and more!

Headquarter hotel:
Hyatt Regency Cincinnati
151 W. Fifth Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Group Rate: $179/night (plus fees and taxes)
Hotel reservation cutoff date: 9/6/23

Learn more at conventionexpo.olc.org

 

Oct
12
Thu
2023
Small Libraries Forum @ Delaware County District Library, Liberty Branch
Oct 12 @ 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration:
Registration is free for OLC Institutional Members Libraries. Please be sure to indicate which forum you will attend when registering using the link below. Program does not include lunch.

Register Now

Sponsor: Small Libraries Division

Who Should Attend: Directors of small libraries

Overview:
OLC’s Executive Director Michelle Francis will provide an update on several items of interest, including state funding and what to expect for the Public Library Fund as well as answer any questions you may have about OLC activities. The forum also will allow time for discussions with your peers about issues and challenges unique to small libraries.

Oct
17
Tue
2023
Sensory Storytime Webinar @ Ohio Library Council via Zoom
Oct 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Sponsored by the Children’s Services Division

Register at my OLC  | Registration Deadline: 10/10/23

Registration Fees:
Member: $35* | Non-member: $70

*Individual members or staff of OLC Institutional Member Libraries.

Webinar Overview:

Children with autism and other developmental disabilities live in your community, no matter the size or location.  As welcoming, friendly, and inclusive as you are, families may still refrain from bringing their children to your traditional storytimes for fear of disrupting the group. Offering a special program for these families is a powerful way to let them know they are welcome in your library.

During this webinar, you will learn how to:

  • Create an experience that is fun for all kids and appropriate for those with Autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities.
  • Select program appropriate titles and activities for Sensory Storytimes
  • Present and adapt programs for multiple ages and audiences
  • Deliver programs that allow children to continue learning and skill building beyond storytime.
  • Provide a comfortable setting for children with disabilities and their families to enjoy the library.

Presenter: Grace Walker, Youth Services Librarian with the Pickerington Public Library, has more than ten years of experience in special education and Applied Behavioral Analysis.

Intended Audience: Library staff who serve children and teens

What’s Included:
Participation in the live webinar and/or access to the archived version at a later date, resources (if applicable) provided by the presenters.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff re-certification, this webinar counts as (1) continuing education contact hour of credit.

 

Nov
3
Fri
2023
Right Click 2023: The Library IT Conference @ Quest Conference Center Columbus
Nov 3 all-day

Sponsored by the OLC’s Information Technology Division

Register at my OLC | Registration Deadline: 10/31/23

Member Fee: $95* | Non-Member Fee: $190
*Individual members or staff of OLC institutional member libraries; NEO-RLS dues-paying members pay OLC member fee.

Conference Overview: Right Click 2023 will feature presentations from professionals, government entities and library IT professionals. This one-day workshop is a unique opportunity for library IT professionals, administrators and support staff to share their knowledge and discuss current technology challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with your colleagues across the state and come away with solutions and innovative ideas that you can apply at your library.

Library Tech Van Tours: Ohio public library tech vehicles will be on display in the Quest parking lot from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

photos of tech vans

Intended Audience: Ohio library information technology staff, technology coordinators, and decision makers

What’s Included: Morning refreshments and lunch. All handouts, provided by presenters, will be available online through the OLC app. Print them prior to the conference, view them from your personal device during the event or view/download them after the event. All handouts will be available online for 30 days following the program.

Continuing Education Credits: For those working toward their Ohio Public Librarian or Ohio Public Library Staff Re-certification, this workshop counts as six (6) contact hours.

Hotel Accommodations: Several hotels are within walking distance of the Quest Conference Center.

Please Note: A question and answer discussion forum will take place in the afternoon. Have a question you would love to discuss? Submit one now.


Agenda

9 – 9:30 a.m. | Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. | Welcome and Introductions

9:45 – 10 a.m. | Ohio TechCred Program

Presenter: Michael Kahoe, Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation

Learn how you can sharpen your skills through Ohio’s TechCred program. Businesses, including public libraries, can receive up to $2,000 for each tech-focused credential earned, and up to $30,000 per employer each application period. Many of the trainings can be completed 100% online. Michael Kahoe, Workforce Program Manager with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, will explain Ohio’s TechCred program and how to apply for this funding.

10 – 11 a.m. | General Session: ChatGPT and Generative AI: From Understanding to Innovation

Presenter: Christopher Harris, Play Play Learn

ChatGPT and other forms of generative AI have burst into our lives as a disruptive new technology. Before we can talk about innovating around generative AI, we must first deeply understand how it works and how we can use it to boost our existing work. In this session, you will explore analog ways of explaining and demonstrating generative AI and then build up to a more nuanced description of the actual programming involved. Along the way, this session will tackle prompt engineering (aka library/information skills) and best practices for making productive use of ChatGPT in a variety of library situations.

Generative AI is only going to become more imbedded in the internet and the technologies that we use daily; for example, search engines will become answer engines. It is critical that libraries lead the way in educating the public on how this technology works and how to best work with it. The disruption to the workforce has already started and so we need to hit the ground running. This session will include a set of Creative Commons licensed resources ready for you to use in turn-key trainings in libraries of all types and sizes.

11 – 11:45 a.m. | General Session: If I Hear the Word AI One More Time…

Presenters: Justin Bumbico and Michaela Herrick, Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML)

As gateways to knowledge, libraries have a pivotal role to play in facilitating the safe use of AI. So, gear up for a lively and interactive discussion. Join CML staff, Michaela Herrick and Justin Bumbico, as they delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT within the context of public libraries. Amidst continuous media attention and daily technological changes, CML proactively formed a cross-departmental AI task force to monitor advancements and its impact to libraries. During this session, you will explore the task force findings, focusing on their relevance to library customers and staff. This session will discuss the benefits of AI technology for libraries and underscore the associated challenges, including biases and inaccuracies.

This session will provide a pragmatic understanding of AI’s role, applications, and challenges, regardless of library size or budget. You will gain a better understanding of how every library can benefit from these advancements and how to safeguard against biases and inaccuracies, a vital consideration for all institutions.

11:45 – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch and Networking


10 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Library Tech Vehicles on display in Quest parking lot

Stan the Tech Van is a mobile technology education and makerspace lab. Stan, a contractor-grade van, is loaded with technology and tools for pop-up makerspace events, open computer lab events, STEM programming, and educational events to be held at local businesses, community centers, public parks, and schools.

Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Digital Navigators service offers one-on-one assistance to help people connect to the internet, get a device, set up a telehealth appointment and more. Digital Navigators also helps people find out if they are eligible to receive the Affordable Connectivity Program, an FCC program that helps families find reliable, affordable internet access.


12:30 – 1:15 p.m. | General Session: Managing IT Right

Presenter: Jeremy Hamman, Greene County Public Library

In an ever changing world of technology changes and limited IT resources in the library, communication and organization is more important than ever to running an efficient and effective IT department. This interactive session will take a closer look at how Greene County Public Library holds their IT departments together along with the resources needed to support staff and customers every day. You will come away from this session with practical tools and methods for effectively manage your library’s IT, regardless of size or budget.

1:15 – 2 p.m. | General Session: RA meets AI: Building a Reader’s Advisory Kiosk

Presenters: Kara Reuter, Stefan Langer, Travis Clark and Sam Lewis, Worthington Libraries

In the hearts and minds of our patrons, libraries are THE source for books and reading. Nevertheless, people don’t always take advantage of our reader’s advisory services. Rather than approaching librarians for suggestions of what to read, most people instead turn to their personal networks or express a preference for more passive approaches to recommendations. The staff at Worthington Libraries developed Recommendation Stations as a halfway point between passive, algorithmic recommendations (like Netflix and TikTok) and an in-person reader’s interview. During this session, you’ll learn more about this service, including:

  • The motivation behind the project.
  • How the Recommendation Station scans a book barcode, browses read-alikes, checks local availability and prints shelf locations—from a touchscreen kiosk with built-in barcode scanner and receipt printer (All in the guise of a fun, fortune-telling book genie!).
  • How the team leveraged the Novelist and Polaris APIs to build the software.
  • How the team branded and promoted the new kiosks.
  • Plus, you’ll discover insights on how the new technology service has impacted the library.

2 – 2:15 p.m. | Break

2:15 – 3 p.m. | General Session: MakerSpace Technology: Connecting Patrons to Technology Through Equipment, Programs and Services

Presenters: Elizabeth Morrison and Jenna Kohut, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library

The Cuyahoga Falls Library MakerSpace was designed to offer patrons free access to a variety of equipment to support personal, entrepreneurial, and educational pursuits. During this session, Customer Experience Manager Elizabeth Morrison and Guiding Ohio Online Technology Trainer Jenna Kohut will discuss the technology, programs, and ongoing services that are available as part of the library’s MakerSpace. Find out how you can teach patrons new skills, build  their confidence, and foster creativity and innovation at your library.

3 – 3:45 p.m. | General Session: Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement Program

Presenter: Mark Bell, State of Ohio Adjutant General’s Department

The new Ohio Persistent Cyber Improvement (O-PCI) program will guide local agencies through three cybersecurity preparedness levels. Each level will consist of a five-step process for cybersecurity advancement: education, training, exercising, mentoring, and improvement. The O-PCI program was developed by CyberOhio with the help of the Homeland Security Advisory Committee – Cyber (HSAC-Cyber). The committee, led by Kirk Herath, cybersecurity strategic advisor to Governor DeWine, is a collaborative effort between state agencies, local government entities, public sector partners, and cybersecurity experts. O-PCI will be funded by the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP) from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. During this session, you will learn more about the new O-PCI program and how it can be benefit your library.

3:45 – 4:15 p.m. | General Session: Q&A Open Forum

Have a question you would love to discuss? Submit one now.

4:15 p.m. | Adjourn