Thank you for a wonderful 2016!
In 2016, we explored the accomplishments of over a dozen amazing Central Ohio libraries. We were honored to participate in the IFLA World Congress, Pecha Kucha at 934 Gallery, PlaceMakes Cherry Street, Urban Scrawl, and The Big Table events. We were inspired by the impact of libraries in their communities and look forward to new adventures in 2017.
This year we will continue to champion a wide variety of libraries. We are eager to introduce new academic, government, private, public and school libraries. If there is a library you think we should feature, we would love to hear from you! You can share your suggestions in the comments, or contact us at team [at] cbuslibraries [dot] com.
We are tremendously excited to announce that January kicks off our podcast series, Ad Libs. Our first will give you a behind-the-scenes look into Cbus Libraries while the others will connect to our monthly features. Each podcast will provide an engaging, 10-minute conversation on leadership and the future of libraries.
With our mobile little library + Street Art, Jerrie Mock and John T. Ward libraries, we’ve created a strong foundation for our Libraries Everywhere program. We will continue to champion the love of reading at unexpected places using inspiring, functional works of art. We hope to see you this year at many Central Ohio festivals and events!
Slappy New Year! We invite you to name our mobile little library for bragging rights and the chance to win this signed Goosebumps book. A contestant will be chosen at random from the most popular entry. The winner will be announced Friday, February 3 at 7:30 a.m. EST. Good luck & thank you!
We’re just hitting our stride and look forward to sharing more as other activities come to fruition. 2017, Let’s Rock This!
Warmly,
Andrea Dixon & Bryan Loar
The OCLC Library plays an important part in a global company that supports libraries worldwide. Part archive, museum, research library and community space, the library illustrates OCLC’s heritage while actively collaborating in the development of new products and services.
OCLC serves 16,000+ members in more than 100 countries. It is a nonprofit “library cooperative that provides shared technology services, original research and community programs for its membership and the library community at large.” The OCLC Library, Archive & Museum serves OCLC staff worldwide with the largest number of staff located in Dublin – which is approximately 700 staff.
As an archive and museum, the OCLC Library connects new hires to the deep legacy of the organization and helps them understand how to move forward. Started in 1967, OCLC became widely known for creating a shared, computerized catalog for its member institutions. Consequently, members benefited by reducing the time needed to create catalog records for duplicate titles across members’ libraries. Over the years services have evolved; however, core themes of cooperation, innovation, engagement and advocacy remain the same.
As a research partner, the library collaborates with marketing, software developers and human resources. The library fact checks, provides user insights on new software and assists in OCLC Research projects. Over time, the library has created a knowledge base for the organization, and librarians are able to answer how the company and its services operated in previous years. As a result, teams avoid potential pitfalls and focus on more probable successes.
As a community space, the library is open and inviting. After a year-long renovation that concluded in August 2016, the library is highly visible with comfortable seating often used for lunches and informal meetings. Additionally, a large conference room is available which provides more privacy for staff to conduct meetings. The library has also become alternative venue for small events.
OCLC Library Manager and Corporate Archivist Kemberly “Kem” Lang believes in the value of special libraries. For over 30 years she has worked within corporate libraries, and OCLC has given her the opportunity to further develop stories that ignite and inspire her colleagues.
The OCLC Library operates as a dynamic, integral part of the organization while keeping OCLC’s heritage alive.
The Grant Morrow III, MD Medical Library is an essential resource for Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH). Located on the second floor of the hospital’s education building, the library provides research and reference services for the hospital staff, including nurses, physicians and allied health personnel. Additionally, the library locates and delivers resources, provides workspaces, manages materials, partners in interlibrary loan services and proctors tests for hospital employees.
Established in 1953, the library has a tremendous archive dating back to when the hospital was founded in 1892. Ohio State University librarian and consultant, Kristin Rodgers, is assisting with archiving the preservation of historic documents, including the hospital’s first patients’ records.
The library is actually a branch of The Ohio State University Health Sciences Library, which provides access to a wide variety of publications and shared resources. NCH’s collection includes an impressive 16,000 volumes and 260 subscriptions.
Active partners in the hospital’s work, librarians provide important research assistance, validating sources and finding answers to unusual questions like “what are the risks to a child who has drunk citronella oil?” Librarians equip hospital staff with research and technology training and assist with processing a monthly “Ask a Specialist” email, which informs Columbus pediatrics about a variety of health care questions. These services produce an extended value and help the hospital achieve its strategic plan of finding journeys to best outcomes. Library Director Linda DeMuro noted the library has received years of positive feedback, further illustrating their value within the system.
In addition to information services, the library serves as a workspace and informal gathering area for hospital employees. Meeting rooms can be reserved via the hospital’s central scheduling program, and the library features a patio overlooking the hospital’s park where employers can work, eat lunch or just enjoy the view.
On the first floor of the education building, the library maintains the Family Health Information Center (FHIC). Open to the public from noon to 5 p.m. each weekday, the information center gives families access to health information. There are also children’s books, magazines and a quiet space for families to spend time. The FHIC also partners with the Blue Jackets Family Resource Center to provide a variety of services to promote “family centered care”.
The secret is out – Linda DeMuro, Director
The library’s services continue to gain popularity as the hospital staff learn about their offerings, as DeMuro put it, “the secret is out.” The Grant Morrow III, MD Medical Library is an important and respected partner of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.