Ohio Library Funding Seen as Skewed

Staff -- Library Journal, 1/11/1999

An analysis of state library funding by the Cincinnati Enquirer suggests that state funding favors large urban counties that are losing population rather than fast-growing suburban counties. Thirteen of the 15 fastest-growing counties in Ohio receive the least amount of state library funding on a per capita basis, while six of the 15 slowest-growing counties are at the bottom of the list. Ohio ranks second in the nation to New York in state contributions, providing 76 percent of library funding for its 88 counties. A state representative said he plans to introduce legislation to overhaul the funding formula, adopted in 1986, which guaranteed that previous levels of funding for large urban systems would not be reduced. However, that may lead to a political battle in the legislature. Also, the majority of members of the Ohio Library Council oppose changing the formula, according to Lynda Murry, the council's director of government relations.