The Ohio Library Council offers a wide range of educational opportunities for its members. The OLC issues a "Call for Programs" when planning these events and accepts submissions from vendors as long as the programs are educational rather than promotional. Vendors interested in submitting program ideas for OLC educational events should contact OLC Director of Professional Development, Wayne Piper, at (614) 416-2258 or wpiper@olc.org.
Overview of OLC Educational Events
Chapter Conferences
Chapter Conferences offer opportunities for library staff members to attend training in one of six regions of the state. Programs at the Chapter Conferences include a variety of topics and traditionally focus on skills-based training and attract mid-level library staff members and support staff personnel. Presenters at the OLC Chapter Conferences are usually volunteers. Chapter Conferences are held in the spring. Attendance at Chapter Conferences ranges from 125 to 350 attendees based on the region.
Convention
The Convention is a biennial three-day conference held in the fall in odd numbered years (2007, 2009, 2011, etc.) which is held in conjunction with the OLC Expo. The educational programming includes nationally recognized keynote speakers, a series of learning tracks that focus on different areas of library service, author book signings, special events, and time for attendees to visit vendor booths at the OLC Expo. Presenters at the Convention include a mix of paid speakers and volunteers from the library community. Attendance ranges from 750-900 attendees and includes library staff from every level (i.e., support staff, librarians, middle management, directors).
Training @ OLC
Training @ OLC is a series of programs featuring topics of perennial interest to public library staff. These one-day classes are offered in the training room at OLC's Columbus office throughout the course of the year. Classes are limited to 25 participants for maximum interaction with the instructor and other attendees Instructors are usually professional trainers/presenters or knowledgeable members of the Ohio library community. By using the OLC's own meeting space to lower overhead costs, OLC continues its efforts to keep registration fees affordable and competitive.
