Latest Library News from Ohio

According to a July 11 post at Save Ohio Libraries, two-thirds of the proposed $227,000,000 cut in state aid to public libraries will be restored. It appears, though, that details of the budget deal have not yet been officially made public. An item of particular interest, though, is shared by WOSU radio via its website. Gov. Strickland will issue an executive order that allows electronic slot machines at the state's 7 horse racetracks. Slots are expected to generate $933,000,000 in new revenue.

Just think of how much revenue they could generate if Ohio legalized certain drugs.

Link to July 10 Columbus Dispatch article, "Governor, legislators agree on budget terms".
Excerpt: In addition to expanding gambling, the governor and legislative leaders have agreed to move state aid back into the depleted mental-health budget and restore some funding to libraries.

CIty of Janesville's Long-Range Goals

Link to July 10 Janesville Gazette article, "Janesville City Council to adopt five long-term goals".

Excerpt: The goals are to:

-- Approve a budget that conserves reserve funds, limits property tax increases and continues major capital improvements. The council will evaluate strategies for debt and borrowing and developing budget process guidelines.

-- Assist with poverty, homelessness and job loss in the city.

-- Provide quality city services that are efficient, effective and need-responsive. (The Hedberg Public Library already receives excellent marks here.)

-- Initiate long-term economic/community development strategies for job growth. Do this by supporting the central business district, downtown/riverfront plans, public/private partnerships; continuing revitalization of central city neighborhoods; planning for new redevelopment projects such as the Monterey Hotel and parking structures, including buying property; looking for small/medium investment opportunities.

-- Start a facility maintenance and replacement program to address major capital/facility needs such as Fire Station No. 1, the transit facility, children’s museum, aquatics, Tallman House and the ice skating center.

Survey Says: Appliances Take a Beating

47% of respondents in 2009 now say a microwave is a necessity. (Down from 68% in 2006.)

Link to Pew Research Center report, "Luxury or Necessity? The Public Makes a U-Turn".

Excerpt: No longer do substantial majorities of the public say a microwave oven, a television set or even home air conditioning is a necessity. Instead, nearly half or more now see each of these items as a luxury. Similarly, the proportion that considers a dishwasher or a clothes dryer to be essential has dropped sharply since 2006.

With these facts in mind, collection development librarians are encouraged to evaluate the 643.6 Dewey classification.

With the emphasis on maintenance.