[OPLINLIST] State Library of Ohio Board recently recognized Terri Fredericka for her service

[marshams at library.ohio.gov]

[Terri Fredericka and Drew Wichterman standing in front of library collage mural holding a retirement resolution.]
State Library of Ohio Board recently honored and recognized Theresa “Terri” Fredericka as she retires from her distinguished service on the State Library Board.

 Terri was appointed by the State Board of Education of Ohio and sworn in as a member of the State Library Board on January 21, 2021. During her tenure, she served with remarkable dedication and leadership, including as Vice-President of the Board. Her insight, advocacy, and collaborative spirit helped guide the State Library through a period of significant transition and renewal.

 A respected leader in Ohio’s library community, Terri devoted 37 years to advancing equitable access to information and library services for Ohio’s students and educators. Prior to retiring in 2020, she served as Executive Director of INFOhio, a position she had held since 1996. Under her leadership, INFOhio evolved from a library automation service into a comprehensive statewide resource providing digital content, instructional tools, professional development, and equitable access to information resources for Ohio’s PreK–12 schools.

 Terri was instrumental in the establishment of INFOhio and played a key role in the statewide Libraries Connect Ohio partnership among INFOhio, OhioLINK, OPLIN, and the State Library of Ohio. Together, these organizations built and sustained the Ohio Web Library core collection of information resources used throughout the state.

 Throughout her career, Terri championed innovation in library services and worked tirelessly to ensure equal access to information for all Ohioans. Prior to INFOhio, she served in numerous educational and library leadership roles, including Coordinator of Learning Resources for Lakewood City Schools, school library consultant positions for both the Ohio and Kentucky Departments of Education, and librarian positions in Deer Park Community City Schools and Findlay City Schools.

In her farewell remarks, Terri said, “This experience has meant such a great deal to me because it is THIS very agency that over the years has provided so many critical resources to school libraries through its leadership, staff time and federal grant dollars. You’ve championed statewide transformation and local-level innovation.  You’ve supported library automation, electronic resources, professional development, a host of literature programs and awards, and even a seminal research study to verify the importance of school libraries and their impact on student learning.”

Terri earned a Master of Library Science from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Bowling Green State University.

 The Board passed a resolution recognizing Terri’s thoughtful leadership and steadfast support of fellow board members and staff during the post-pandemic transition period and throughout the search for a new Executive Director. Her contributions have strengthened the State Library and enriched the broader Ohio library community.

 As she retires from Board service, Terri looks forward to continuing her advocacy and community engagement in Lakewood, Ohio. She plans to carry on her involvement with the League of Women Voters, Lakewood Chapter, and a new pursuit with Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation, which enriches educational opportunities for students in the Lakewood Public Schools.

 “There will be challenges,” Terri remarked on the future of the State Library. “But, armed with a bold, new strategic direction and a strong commitment to continue to collaborate with all its partners, the State Library is in an excellent position to provide Ohio citizens, especially our students, a richer, fuller life-long learning experience.

 “We are deeply grateful for Terri’s dedicated service and leadership on the State Library Board. Her commitment to advancing access to knowledge, supporting libraries, and strengthening communities across the state has made a lasting impact,” expressed Board President Drew Wichterman.

 The State Library of Ohio thanks Terri Fredericka and wishes her continued success and fulfillment in this next chapter.

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Read the Board Resolution<https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/v1780075066/library.ohio.gov/board-resolutions/RESOLUTION_Terri_Fredericka.pdf> as a PDF.

Photo: Terri Fredericka and Drew Wichterman

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[State Library of Ohio logo]

Marsha McDevitt-Stredney

Director, Marketing & Communications

State Library of Ohio

274 E. 1st Avenue

Columbus, OH 43201

Tel: 614.644.6875

marshams at library.ohio.gov<mailto:marshams at library.ohio.gov>

library.ohio.gov<https://library.ohio.gov/>
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