The Evolution and Challenges of Creating Equitable Library Funding in Ohio
Three months ago, a post on Reddit questioning why Ohio has one of the nation's largest library networks sparked a thread of state pride. "Here, even cows are eligible for library cards," joked a librarian, referring to a policy that allows every Ohio resident to obtain a library card at any public library in the state, not just the ones in their locality. This library system has sparked envy among non-Ohioans, with one reminiscing, "I love OhioLink!! I went to college in Ohio and it’s the thing I miss the most. Moving to NY for grad school, I realized that not all states offer something even remotely similar."
Dubbed “Library Land” by another Redditor, Ohio boasts the highest percentage of registered borrowers, the highest number of library visits per capita, and the most transactions per capita. Moreover, Ohio is second only to New York in receiving the most Five-Star library ratings, a prestigious annual award given by the Library Journal.
The secret behind Ohio's expansive, and inclusive library network, which has resulted in all these accolades and fostered a spirited community, is its funding model.
Public Library funding in the United States is typically sourced from local, state, and federal government contributions, supplemented by donations and grants. Nearly every state sees a significant portion of library budgets from local funds, such as property taxes or municipal budgets, with smaller contributions from state and federal levels. Ohio stands apart in its approach to library funding.
The majority of public library funding in Ohio comes from the state government through the Public Library Fund (PLF, formerly known as LLGSF), established in 1983. The PLF receives a designated percentage of the state's general tax revenue. These funds are then distributed to counties based on a two-part formula: a "guaranteed share", an inflation-adjusted composite of the prior year's entitlement amount, and a potential "share of the excess" if the state's total allocations exceed the sum of these guaranteed shares. This excess is distributed based on an "equalization ratio" to benefit counties that have historically received lower per-capita funding.
This overall library funding model has been praised for its intention and success in creating a fair distribution system, yet its sustainability is in question with the changing economic landscape.
Compared to other states, Ohio's state government dedicates a considerably larger share of its budget to library funding. “Ohio’s funding from the state sales tax is largely why Ohio’s libraries have become so successful and widely recognized - nationally and also internationally,” says Kirstin Krumsee, a library consultant at the State Library of Ohio.
However, a closer look at Ohio's funding history reveals a gradual shift: the reliance on state funding is decreasing, while dependency on ****local government support is increasing.