Introductory Remarks
Theresa M. Fredericka, INFOhio Executive Director
Wednesday, February 18, 2004

Proficiency tests. Academic Content Standards. Student achievement. Information literacy. Technology literacy. Welcome to the world of school library media centers for the 21st century! And welcome to our first state users’ group meeting for 2004.

As most of you know, I’m Theresa Fredericka, Executive Director of INFOhio, the information network for Ohio’s schools. I am so glad you could find the time in your busy schedules to join us today. We have a really exciting and practical agenda planned for you.

Our keynote speaker Carla Southers, from the Ohio Department of Education, will provide an update on the recently-released Ohio Academic Content Standards for Technology as well as the School Library Guidelines. This is information we all need to understand, and, ultimately, implement.

The presentation on the results of the Student Learning Through Ohio School Libraries project, coordinated by OELMA, will blow you away. The headline: “Nearly 100 percent of Ohio students who took part in a recent research study said the school library, its services and school librarians have helped them with their learning.” Finally, we have quantitative data to document what we always knew! YES!

And, I’m sure, you will find the other presentations exciting and informative – from the update on Ohio Memory to the new spring workshops from ILILE to finding out just what exactly is that group OPIPSAA?

But before we begin our program, I’d like to thank you.

You have helped make Ohio a leader and a trendsetter in the delivery of innovative library services.

You have helped put INFOhio in the forefront of the state’s efforts to enhance student learning using high-quality library/media/technology programs that support curricula and enhance students' love of learning.

You have made every effort to learn about and take advantage of these new tools yourselves. You have partnered with other librarians, classroom teachers, and administrators to make things happen. And, you have shown an extraordinary commitment to doing your best to make sure “no Ohio student is left behind.”

Thank you for your dedication, your hard work and your invaluable contributions.

Now, let’s begin with a thank you to those behind the scenes who make INFOhio work. First, I’d like the Program Implementation Team to stand and be recognized. This Team was created this year to specifically help me with oversight of the many programs and services INFOhio offers. Next we have the Steering Committee, which includes all the members of our great Technical Team in Lima and the chairs of each of our Task Forces – all 5 of them. Will you please stand?

And, then most importantly, we have our INFOhio Providers. They serve on the front lines and help us reach all public and private schools across the state in each of the 23 regional DASites. Please stand and be so recognized. I don’t know what we would ever do with out them.

Finally, let me introduce to you two staff members that are primarily responsible for today. Cathy Kerner, Office Manager -- not only planned this users meeting once, but twice -- is here to help you with any questions or concerns you have about logistics.

And, now I’ll turn the program over to Dave Ambrose, in charge of INFOhio communications, including our wonderful Web site, and Electronic Resources. David will lead our meeting today and present the INFOhio update. He will create a Web summary of our proceedings for the many folks unable to join us. David’s been with INFOhio since day one, and we owe him a great deal for his talents and efforts. I know today we’ll be in good hands with him keeping us on time and moving forward.

Thank you for attending today's meeting and for your continued support for INFOhio!