Welcome!
| When I was appointed to chair the Ohio Library Council's 2007 Convention and Expo, I began to think in visionary terms, in terms of a limitless future for Ohio's public libraries, in terms of what we can be, not in terms of what we are or were. I envision Ohio's public libraries as being an integral part of their communities, as making an invaluable contribution to the health of their communities, as enriching the quality of life for everyone living in those communities, as truly reflecting and defining the values of their communities. |
Mary Jane Santos, Convention Chair
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I see them being so relevant and important that it is inconceivable to think that any legislature could threaten or eliminate their existence anymore than it could eliminate the police and fire departments of any community.
With the efforts of the dedicated Program Committee, under the leadership of Marcus Mabelitini, we have developed a line-up of program offerings that are innovative, inspiring, and stimulating, and will challenge the library community to make Ohio 's public libraries so incredibly vital and essential that nothing can threaten their existence.
To begin the process that will position us as critical assets to our communities, we considered the issues that we all face, regardless of our title or tasks in the library, or our geographical position or the size of our libraries—issues such as education, funding, intellectual freedom, leadership, marketing and product development, organizational redesign, service and services, and the next generation of librarians. I believe that presenting programs that overreach our divisions and committees will entice and attract people who will be inspired to share this vision, and who have the energy and foresight to bring the ideas back to their libraries and begin building the willingness to imagine what we can do next.
Add to this the efforts of the Local Arrangements Committee, chaired by Kristin Shelley and the Expo Committee, chaired by Julianne Bedel—author luncheons, banquet speaker, a reception featuring a Harry Potter band called "Draco and the Malfoys," and an exhibit hall brimming with vendors, excitement and innovations—and you quickly realize that this convention is one not to be missed.
I speak with confidence and excitement when I say, “The 2007 Ohio Library Council's Convention and Expo is going to be a great experience for every attendee.” And I think this tag line sums it all up:
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