The Government Relations Committee develops the OLC legislative platform, analyzes legislative issues that could potentially impact Ohio’s public libraries and the customers they serve, and advises staff the advocacy strategy to serve the best interest of Ohio’s public library community.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary function of the Government Relations Committee is to serve in the best interest of Ohio’s public library community in regards to all legal and legislative matters.
To that end, the GRC:
- Maintains a legislative network to work with library directors around the state to ensure a complete and consistent local grassroots advocacy effort.
- Monitors and examines all information that has the potential to impact the Public Library Fund, supporting any issue that would increase state funding for public libraries.
- Makes recommendations to the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors regarding legislation to be submitted to the Ohio General Assembly.
- Explores collaboration opportunities that will lead to more efficient and effective public library service.
- Strongly supports the State Library of Ohio and OPLIN and their efforts to provide services to Ohio’s public libraries.
- Reviews proposed changes to the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS), supporting legislation which ensures stability of the fund while maintaining fair benefit levels, and communicating as much information as possible regarding OPERS to all OLC members.
Donald Yarman
Don Yarman literally grew up in Ohio public libraries, starting as a page in Mt. Vernon. He tried to pursue other careers, but libraries wouldn't let go. He was the Youth Services Manager and later Technology Coordinator for the Grandview Heights Public Library, worked at OPLIN managing Statewide Resource Sharing and other library services, and then served as the Deputy Director of the Delaware County District Library. For the past six years, he has been the director of OPLIN, and if he squints, he can see retirement approaching in the distance.
