The State Library of Ohio recently joined the DataOhio Portal with our Ohio Public Libraries and Ohio Public Libraries: Director List dashboards. The Ohio Public Libraries dashboard has directory information from the Annual Ohio Public Library Survey to the State Library, and the Director List is updated as new information is received.
 
“Providing Ohioans access to libraries and their resources is a commitment of the State Library of Ohio,” says Wendy Knapp, State Librarian of Ohio. “In support of this commitment, we are excited to share the Ohio Public Libraries interactive map and Ohio Public Libraries: Director List report on the DataOhio Portal. It’s a great example of how libraries and data can complement each other to deliver useful tools for our patrons.”
 
Ohio Public Libraries dashboard is an interactive map with the ability to filter by distance/zip code, or state and federal district boundaries reported in the Ohio Public Library survey. Select “Visualize” to see the dashboard list and map on DataOhio.
 
Ohio Public Libraries: Director List has the director for each Ohio public library including name, address, phone number, email, and URL for the library’s main website. Submit updates to Julia Ward. Changes we submit to DataOhio are published quarterly. Select “Visualize” to see the dashboard list on DataOhio.
 
Links to the DataOhio dashboards have replaced the Excel files on our Find an Ohio Library webpage.
 
In addition to these two new State Library dashboards, the DataOhio Portal offers over 300 other datasets from 14 State of Ohio agencies (including health, education, workforce and natural resources data) that can be leveraged as a helpful research resource. View a brief demonstration that highlights some of the DataOhio Portal’s key features.
 
We encourage libraries to include information about DataOhio on their websites, newsletters, research guides, and more.
 
The vision of the DataOhio Portal is to be the centralized location for State of Ohio data for state agencies and their partners – which delivers transparency across the state, while helping to inform programs and policy, for a better Ohio. Visit the DataOhio Portal to discover what’s available today: data.ohio.gov.

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The ConnectedLib team is planning the first ever ConnectedLibFEST, focused on connected learning in small and rural libraries and communities.
 
The virtual experience is scheduled for March 15 and 16 and will bring together library staff, researchers, and community members to learn from and with each other.
 
If you would like to be involved in the FEST, the team has put out a call for facilitators and presenters to propose a session or get involved in other ways. Complete the interest form to share your experience with connected learning and small and rural libraries, or to stay informed and receive additional information about the ConnectedLibFEST.
 

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For a project with No Kid Hungry, Janet Ingraham Dwyer looking for examples of public libraries that actively promote the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or actively assist patrons to apply for SNAP benefits.
 
If you publicize SNAP:

• in your library building through posters, flyers, etc.;
• or in your library newsletter, website, or social media;
• or in conjunction with outreach programming;
• or by assisting individuals with learning about and applying for SNAP

 
would you kindly drop Janet a quick email to describe your activities to promote SNAP?