Public Records Policy

The Puskarich Public Library recognizes its responsibility to maintain public records and to make such records available for inspection and reproduction.

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable judicial decisions, records are defined as any document, device or item, regardless of physical form or characteristic created or received by coming under the jurisdiction of the Board or its employees, which is kept by the Board and which serves to document the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operation, or other activities.  Public records do not include patron records, medical and non-employment related personnel records, records the release of which is prohibited by State or Federal law, or any other exceptions set forth in O.R.C. 149.43.

Any individual may inspect the public records at all reasonable times during regular business hours of the office in which such records are maintained.  In addition, upon request a person may receive copies of public records at cost, within a reasonable period of time.  While the public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection,  a reasonable period of time may be necessary to review and redact non-public/confidential  information contained on the record and/or to fulfill extensive or voluminous requests for copies. 

An individual making a public record request is under no obligation to put the request in writing and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the public record.

No specific language is required to make a request.  However, the requester must identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the Library to identify, retrieve, and review the records.

Public records must be provided at cost and payment will be requested upon delivery of the records.  If the records must be mailed, the requester will be charged the actual cost of postage and mailing supplies in advance.

A Records Commission is established consisting of the Board of Trustees and Fiscal Officer and the commission will meet annually or as needed upon proper meeting notification.