STATE LIBRARY OF OHIO is a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries and residents. The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where every Ohioan can access the necessary resources to be engaged citizens, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, and pursue their passions and interests.

Provides state of Ohio legislators and state employees access to books print and online journals magazines newspapers and eBooks and resources and materials in the State Library and OhioLINK catalogs. Provides work-related research and reference services to state legislators and state employees. Provides access to subscription-based library databases Serves as Ohio’s only full regional depository for federal documents and the depository for Ohio state agency documents. Manages a unique collection of library materials which may be borrowed by the public on a walk-in basis. Collections include government and business documents and management education health and criminal justice books and materials. Leads collaboration and partnership with Libraries Connect Ohio—to ensure all Ohioans continue to have access to high quality relevant and reliable online resources and publications at no cost to libraries schools universities and residents. Maximizes the use of public funds by facilitating resource and information sharing among Ohio’s libraries through programs such as the Serving Every Ohioan (SEO) Library Consortium which includes 93 library systems (237 locations) in 47 Ohio counties sharing a catalog of nearly 8 million items. Administers the federal Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant program. Collects and makes available statistics about Ohio public libraries for analysis long range planning and comparison. Coordinates the Ohio Digital Library. Collaborates with the Center for Outreach Services located at the Ohio School for the Deaf to provide access to a collection of Deafness and interpreting-related materials to all Ohioans. Manages a Statewide Delivery System which supports statewide resource sharing by delivering more than 8 million books and other library materials to Ohio library users each year. A partner in Ohio Memory and Ohio Digital Network (DPLA) the State Library coordinates the Ohio Digital Network houses a state-of-the-art digitization lab and is available to assist public libraries with their digitization initiatives. Library Programs & Development (LPD) department is charged with providing leadership and partnership in the development of library services throughout Ohio. Coordinates the Ohio Talking Book program for Ohio’s blind and physically disabled residents including children and veterans of war. Coordinates the Ohio Digital Network a project to create a hub for addition of materials from Ohio institutions into DPLA. Administers Guiding Ohio Online a program that enables public libraries in rural Ohio to hire a dedicated technology trainer for their library.