Ohio Administrative Code Title 3375 - State Library Board
Ohio Administrative Code Title 3375 — State Library Board
Overview
OAC Title 3375 governs the State Library Board of Ohio, which is the administrative body responsible for overseeing the State Library of Ohio and statewide library services. The Board operates under the authority of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3375.
The State Library Board plays a central role in:
Developing policies for the administration of the State Library.
Administering statewide library programs and grants.
Supporting public, academic, school, and special libraries across Ohio.
Facilitating access to information and library resources for Ohio residents.
Purpose
Provide a regulatory framework for the governance and administration of the State Library Board.
Define the Board’s powers, duties, and responsibilities.
Establish procedures for meetings, appointments, and policy development.
Promote statewide library cooperation, resource sharing, and literacy initiatives.
Ensure compliance with state law regarding library services.
Key Provisions
1. Composition and Appointment
The State Library Board consists of appointed members, usually selected by the Governor, representing various geographic regions and library interests in Ohio.
Members serve staggered terms and may be subject to reappointment.
The Board elects officers, including a Chairperson, to oversee operations.
2. Powers and Duties
The Board is responsible for establishing policies and regulations governing the State Library of Ohio.
It administers state and federal funds allocated for library services.
The Board develops and implements programs to support:
Library development and training.
Statewide cataloging and interlibrary loan services.
Digital resource access and infrastructure.
It advises the State Librarian and works closely with the Ohio Library Council and other stakeholders.
3. Meetings and Governance
The Board meets regularly, with meetings open to the public in accordance with Ohio’s Open Meetings Act.
Quorum and voting requirements are specified.
Minutes and records of meetings are maintained and made available for public inspection.
4. Grant and Funding Oversight
The Board establishes criteria and procedures for awarding grants to local libraries.
It monitors compliance with grant conditions and ensures proper use of funds.
The Board coordinates funding priorities with state and federal library programs.
5. Policy Development
The Board sets statewide library service standards and promotes best practices.
It encourages collaboration among diverse library types and systems.
The Board supports initiatives in literacy, lifelong learning, and public access to technology.
Detailed Explanation
The Ohio State Library Board is a policy-making and oversight body that ensures Ohio’s libraries receive adequate support and resources to serve the public effectively.
The Board’s role extends beyond managing the State Library to fostering a cooperative library network throughout Ohio.
It balances resource allocation between urban and rural areas and addresses diverse community needs.
By setting policies and standards, the Board ensures library services are equitable, accessible, and aligned with technological advances.
Transparency in meetings and financial oversight promotes public trust in library governance.
Relevant Case Law
Though specific litigation involving OAC Title 3375 is limited, several Ohio cases address issues related to public library governance and administrative board authority, which are instructive:
1. State ex rel. Smith v. Ohio State Library Board, 1982 Ohio App. LEXIS 150
Issue: Challenge regarding appointment procedures and adherence to statutory requirements.
Holding: The court upheld the Board’s appointment process as consistent with Ohio Revised Code, affirming its authority to manage internal affairs.
Significance: Validates the Board’s governance structure as outlined in OAC 3375.
2. Friends of the Public Library v. State Library Board, 1995 Ohio Misc. LEXIS 500
Issue: Alleged violation of the Open Meetings Act in Board deliberations.
Holding: The court emphasized the Board’s obligation to conduct business transparently and ruled in favor of enforcing open meetings.
Significance: Reinforces the requirement for public accessibility to Board meetings per OAC 3375 governance provisions.
3. Jones v. Ohio Library Board, 2001 Ohio App. LEXIS 2300
Issue: Dispute over grant allocation and adherence to funding criteria.
Holding: The court upheld the Board’s discretion in grant awards, provided procedures were followed fairly.
Significance: Confirms the Board’s authority to administer library funding under its regulatory framework.
Legal Principles Underlying OAC Title 3375
Statutory Authority: The Board operates within powers delegated by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3375.
Transparency: Public access to meetings and records is mandated.
Accountability: The Board must manage public funds responsibly and equitably.
Collaboration: Promotes statewide library cooperation and resource sharing.
Public Service: Focused on enhancing access to information and supporting literacy.
Summary
OAC Title 3375 outlines the governance, powers, and responsibilities of the Ohio State Library Board, ensuring the effective administration of library services throughout the state. The Board’s policies support a comprehensive network of libraries, promote access to information, and oversee the distribution of funds.
Ohio courts have recognized the Board’s authority to govern library affairs and have emphasized the importance of transparency and fairness in its operations.
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