The Government Relations Committee develops the OLC legislative platform, analyzes legislative issues that could potentially impact Ohio’s public libraries and the customers they serve, and advises staff the advocacy strategy to serve the best interest of Ohio’s public library community.
Purpose and Objectives
The primary function of the Government Relations Committee is to serve in the best interest of Ohio’s public library community in regards to all legal and legislative matters.
To that end, the GRC:
- Maintains a legislative network to work with library directors around the state to ensure a complete and consistent local grassroots advocacy effort.
- Monitors and examines all information that has the potential to impact the Public Library Fund, supporting any issue that would increase state funding for public libraries.
- Makes recommendations to the Ohio Library Council Board of Directors regarding legislation to be submitted to the Ohio General Assembly.
- Explores collaboration opportunities that will lead to more efficient and effective public library service.
- Strongly supports the State Library of Ohio and OPLIN and their efforts to provide services to Ohio’s public libraries.
- Reviews proposed changes to the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS), supporting legislation which ensures stability of the fund while maintaining fair benefit levels, and communicating as much information as possible regarding OPERS to all OLC members.
Beth Pfahler
Beth Pfahler (Hatch) has been the Director of Upper Arlington Public Library since 2019, and serves as chief operating officer for the Upper Arlington Public Library. She previously served as the Director of the Perry Public Library in Northeast Ohio. She began her career in public libraries in 2003, and served in a variety of roles. In addition to serving as director, she has served as a Special Projects Manager, Virtual Services Manager, PR and Marketing Librarian, and Reference Librarian. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Library Science from Kent State University and a Masters in Communication from Lake Erie College.
James Hill
Jason Kucsma
Chris May
Michael Penrod
