The Fallout from Budget Cuts: Ohio Library Council Cancels Convention

Budget cuts mean libraries have no money for travel

-- Library Journal, 07/20/2009

• State budget cuts hit home
• Most libraries would not have budget to send people
• Alternative methods of education programs explored

In the wake of budget cuts that have devastated local library budgets, with a loss of up to 30% of state support, the Ohio Library Council (OLC) Board of Directors agreed to cancel the 2009 Ohio Library Council Convention & Expo, which was to be held in Cleveland on Oct. 21-23. The OLC said the decision was unanimously supported by the Convention & Expo chair and subcommittee chair. 

OLC made its decision in the wake of a survey of library directors that showed that very few could afford to send their staff to the event. “In light of the recent developments in the state’s public library funding and the drastic adjustments that all libraries have been making to their operations, the OLC made the most fiscally-responsible route for both members and the organization,” OLC said in a news release. 

Given the need for conference education programming, OLC said it is exploring several alternatives, including regional and electronic options.

Several libraries have announced they would close branches or reduce hours.