Outlier Ohio: A case study of Ohio public libraries and an analysis of their collective success

Abstract

This study examined the collective success and “Best in the Nation” status of Ohio public libraries as indicated in by various statistical rankings, like the HAPLR and Library Journal Star Libraries, as well as anecdotal reports in the trade literature. The study was qualitative in nature and utilized a single-subject case study design coupled with an embedded statistical component. The researcher conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a purposeful sample of Ohio public library insiders and then analyzed the interview transcripts using a descriptive phenomenological data analysis technique. The findings of the analysis indicate that the two phenomenon drivers of equitable state-based funding and organized library autonomy combined within a controlled governmental environment and housed in a hospitable geographic region helped to create and maintain a living ecosystem of success for Ohio public libraries until the sharp funding reduction of 2009.