February 2026 Newsletter
Winter is thawing and we’re gearing up for an exciting year ahead! In this newsletter, we’re highlighting the many ways we work alongside our members to create a thriving consortium. Whether it’s evolving OhioNet with our Board, building professional development opportunities with member partners, or supporting the next generation of library leaders, we couldn’t do it without our members!
Director’s Desk: Co-Creating Meaningful Events with Our Members
It’s already February and I’m growing increasingly excited for the opportunities we’re co-creating with our members and partners this year! I always enjoy in-person events as they provide an opportunity to connect, learn, and reignite my excitement for serving our member libraries. This year, we’re continuing long-held traditions and creating new ones as we co-host several upcoming events with the State Library of Ohio, the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library, and a team of library staff from around the state. Read more about these events here.
Member Highlight: The 2026 OhioNet Board of Directors
We’re excited to announce the 2026 OhioNet Board of Directors! Our board includes the following members:
- Andrea Christman Atkinson, Technical Services & Systems Manager, Sinclair Community College
- Michael Christian-Budd (Treasurer), Manager, Cataloging and Processing Department, Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library
- Loren Hackett, Medical Librarian, Cleveland Clinic – Hillcrest Hospital Medical Library
- Lori Lee (Past Chair), Assistant Director, INFOhio
- Joel Mantey (Chair), Assistant Director, Findlay-Hancock County Public Library
- Natosha Massie, Executive Director, Garnet A. Wilson Public Library of Pike County
- Susi Miller, Library Manager, Nationwide Children’s Hospital
- Miriam Nelson, Director, Mahn Center, Preservation, & Digital Initiatives, Ohio University
- Chris Robinson-Nkongola, Reference & Instruction Librarian, Bowling Green State University
- Carla Sarratt (Vice Chair), Library Director, University of Mount Union Library
- Elizabeth Zeitz (Secretary), Library Services Manager, Ohio History Connection
- Kelsey Wicker, Director, Cardington-Lincoln Public Library
Learn more about the OhioNet Board of Directors here.
Library Leadership Ohio Returns
The State Library of Ohio and OhioNet are again collaborating to bring you Library Leadership Ohio (LLO) in 2026. The Library Leadership Ohio program spans nearly 30 years and includes hundreds of alumni in a variety of positions in libraries across Ohio and across the country. LLO supports great libraries by developing great leaders. Offering exceptional programs focused on personal development and transferable leadership skills, LLO fosters connections and collaboration within Ohio’s library community. Learn more about this outstanding leadership development opportunity here.
Featured Event
Inspired by conversations with OhioNet members about the economic challenges their libraries and communities are facing, OhioNet and the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library (CRCPL) are excited to co-host Boom and Bust: Libraries Navigating Economic Change in Their Communities.
This free, in-person event welcomes colleagues from all library types. Boom and Bust will be held at the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library Annex, located at 140 S. Paint St., Chillicothe, Ohio on March 4, 2026.
We hope you’ll join us as we discuss ways libraries don’t just survive — but thrive — while navigating the highs and lows of economic change in their communities. See the full agenda and register here.
We are delighted to premier two exclusive webinar recordings in our Training Archive: Managing Facilities Change on a Shoestring Budget, presented by Michelle Hahn, Metadata Librarian at Ohio University, and Onboarding Strategies for Employee Success, presented by Aimee Adams, Brookville Branch Manager, Dayton Metro Library. These recordings are available asynchronously at no cost to members – the Training Archive is located behind the member login on our website under ‘Training’ and ‘View the Training Archive.’
2026 Supply & Equipment Discount Codes Available
We are happy to announce that our 2026 supply and equipment discount codes are available! The discount codes can be found within the member login on our website under ‘Equipment and Supplies’ and then ‘Get Discounts.’ Due to some security changes on the website, we have replaced the majority of our PDF discount pages with static webpages. If you prefer to receive the discount codes as a PDF form, please email [email protected], and we would be happy to send you a copy.
Did you know individuals working at member libraries can sign up for members-only content on our website? A member account gets you access to special perks like our webinar archive and equipment and supply discounts. Sign up for a member website account here!
OhioNet Announces a Partnership with Business Insider
OhioNet is excited to announce a new partnership with Business Insider. Business Insider provides unlimited digital access to trusted reporting across business, technology, and innovation. Libraries can give patrons, students, and professionals reliable context on the economy, the workplace, and emerging industries. Recognized for its fairness and depth, Business Insider informs, challenges, and inspires readers who want to make smarter decisions about their work and their lives. Trusted across the political spectrum and read by millions worldwide, Business Insider is the destination for people who are driven, curious, and shaping what comes next. Learn more about this partnership here.
Announcements & Other News
- OE Electrics Winter Promotion continues until March 31.
- Join us for the OhioNet Book Club as we read and discuss Critical Hope by Kari Grain from January 28 – March 25.
- Whether you’re searching for your next opportunity or searching for your next great candidate, be sure to take advantage of our free Library Jobs page!
- Upcoming webinars
- Introduction to Dublin Core, March 12, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Minimizing Bias During the Hiring Process, March 18, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM (FREE for OhioNet members!)
