Director’s Desk: Strategic Action Plan Update
As OhioNet approaches 50 years of service to Ohio libraries, we commit to engage, empower, and evolve for a stronger library community. In 2025, we made great progress toward this commitment with the implementation of our Strategic Action Plan.
I am particularly proud of all the opportunities we had to connect with our members. From delivering services to member libraries, to connecting at professional development events, to visiting libraries… and everything in between! The snapshot below lists some highlights of the strategic goals we have achieved in calendar year 2025.
We have engaged with our members by:
- visiting with leaders and staff at 33 member libraries.
- hosting 7 Coffee with Katy virtual events.
- sponsoring and attending 3 statewide library conferences, including presenting in partnership with INFOhio.
- coordinating 3 makerspace tours at member libraries.
- evolving our newsletter to raise awareness of our services and resources.
- welcoming 21 new members via an improved on-boarding process.
- initiating projects to co-create events and professional development opportunities with our members in 2026.
We have empowered our members by:
- supporting approximately one-third of Ohio’s academic libraries through OhioLINK’s Alma migration.
- hosting 4 in-person learning opportunities including a Conversations Worth Having Workshop, MakerFest, the Facilities Summit, and the Renewals Workshop with Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, MSLS.
- hosting 21 virtual programs featuring professional development, vendor demos, and more.
- adding new resources to our e-resource portfolio such as Kanopy KBASE, Creative Bug, and WhoFi.
- adding new resources to our equipment and supplies portfolio including OE Electrics.
- providing 40 members with ILS/LSP management services, hosting EZproxy servers for 70 members, and performing cataloging management for 30 members.
- partnering with 8 members for consulting services including strategic planning, space assessment, staff training, and workplace wellbeing.
- co-hosting ILEAD 2025 with the State Library of Ohio.
We have evolved our organization by:
- creating more efficient accounts payable and accounts receivable processes with our partners at JMT Consulting.
- realigning our organizational structure to match contemporary member needs in refocused roles including Director of Strategic Purchasing & Professional Development, Strategic Purchasing & Professional Development Specialist, and Membership Liaison & Operations Coordinator.
- embarking on new and expanded services including implementing central licensing for e-resources, piloting space assessment consulting, and expanding library systems administration and support services.
- developing a robust member database to improve support to our members.
Submitted by Katy B. Mathuews, Executive Director & CEO
