Ohio's public libraries uphold the
rights set forth by the First
Amendment but, unfortunately, many Ohioans and Americans do not understand even the basic principles of this important Constitutional protection. A March 2006 study published by the McCormick Tribute Freedom Museum (www.FreedomMuseum.us) found that while more than half of Americans can name at least two members of the popular animated TV family "The Simpsons," just one in four could name at least two of the rights guaranteed by the First Amendment.
This lack of understanding about the very foundation of the public library system has led to increased challenges by individuals and groups that force our libraries to fight for their right to provide information freely and openly to all citizens of a community.
Provided to Ohio public libraries, the Ohio Library Council is pleased to offer this resource, Community Connections: A Toolkit for Public Libraries, to help library directors develop a public engagement plan and to put in place policies that will protect and aid the library in times of challenge.
In addition, the OLC has provided some basic guidelines for what to do when a situation arises locally. However, the OLC has experience and expertise in addressing these challenges and, we urge library directors to contact the OLC for additional assistance.
We hope that this toolkit will be helpful to libraries now and in the future as Ohio public libraries seek to engage their communities in an ongoing dialogue that will ultimately lead to increased local support and understanding of the valuable services libraries provide.
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Note: Appendix items are available in Microsoft Word for libraries to download and edit as needed.