The Ohio Public Library Information Network (OPLIN) is seeking nominations for its Board of Trustees. The OPLIN Board consists of eleven members appointed by the State Library Board. These members are library directors, staff, and past or present trustees of public libraries.

The OPLIN Board has two vacancies for three-year terms beginning July 1, 2009 and ending June 30, 2012, with the option to be reappointed for an additional three-year term.

We urge members of the public library community to reflect on the qualifications of their members and nominate candidates for the OPLIN Board. Any individual who believes he or she has a contribution to make should feel free to self-nominate. We actively seek out Board membership that represents all parts of Ohio, and all sizes of public libraries. In order to reflect the diverse interests of Ohio's 251 independent libraries, and to serve the best interests of Ohio's many library patrons and information consumers, it is vital that we have a strong pool of nominees from which to select Board members.

The nominated candidate should possess the following qualifications in order to be considered:

• Is a current or past member of a Board of Library Trustees of an Ohio public library or a current staff member of one.
• Is willing and available to commit one full day every other month to attend Board meetings at the State Library of Ohio, plus additional time for committee assignments.
• Is committed to providing the residents of Ohio with equal access to information.
• Understands and supports the differences that exist among Ohio's public libraries due to size, geographic location, and varieties of missions.
• Understands the diversity of clienteles served by Ohio's public libraries in regard to age, education, and socio-economic situation.
• Supports the concept of partnering with schools and institutions of higher learning.
• Understands the need for moving technology forward while working within the tight cost pressures in the present funding environment.

Please send nominations with supporting information, by March 27, 2009, to:

Stephen Hedges, Executive Director
Ohio Public Library Information Network
2323 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 130
Columbus, OH 43204
Email: hedgesst <at> oplin.org