[OPLINTECH] Libraries Connect Ohio & the Ohio Web Library Unveiled

[OPLIN Managing Editor]

Libraries Connect Ohio & the Ohio Web Library Unveiled

Today Ohio libraries and all Ohioans have unlimited access to more than 50 electronic research resources thanks to Libraries Connect Ohio, a collaborative effort of Ohio's library organizations. 

Libraries Connect Ohio has recently launched two new Web sites. The first, www.ohioweblibrary.org, provides a list of available resources and background information about the Ohio Web Library. It also provides a gateway to help Ohioans connect to the electronic resources via INFOhio, OhioLINK, OPLIN and the State Library of Ohio. The second site, www.librariesconnectohio.org, provides detailed information on the way Ohio's libraries and library organizations are working together to provide valuable resources to Ohioans. Both sites link to a "for librarians" page that features a promotional toolkit of bookmarks, brochures, Web logos and buttons, a news release template and more.

The LSTA grant that helps fund the Ohio Web Library is a temporary funding measure and will expire on June 30, 2008. Without this funding, statewide access to the Ohio Web Library's wide array of resources is in jeopardy. Therefore, it is imperative that we find a stable funding resource for the Ohio Web Library.

Libraries Connect Ohio has developed a plan to find permanent funding for the Ohio Web Library resources. In order for this plan to be successful, Ohio's entire library community must be involved, including: the three statewide library networks, the library associations, the State Library of Ohio, as well as public, school, academic, special, law and medical libraries.

To help the cause, you and your library can:

1. Read a detailed article about these efforts at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/PR/OWLarticleforlibs.pdf.

2. Incorporate as many of the suggested activities as possible in the LCO Funding & Communications Plan at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/PR/LCOfundcommplanweb.pdf.

3. Educate your community about the Ohio Web Library and its benefits. A toolkit is provided at http://www.librariesconnectohio.org/promo.htm to help you.

4. Report successes, needs, questions and stories of how the Ohio Web Library benefits you and your patrons to ohioweblibrary at oplin.org.

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Joel Husenits
Managing Editor

Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN)
2323 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 130
Columbus, Ohio 43204

Phone: (614) 728-5252
Fax: (614) 728-5256
E-mail: editor at oplin.org
Web: www.oplin.org
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