It is the policy of the Clyde Public Library to adhere to the Public Records Act of the State of Ohio. All records of the Library that meet the definition of “public records” are public unless they are exempt from disclosure under the Ohio law and federal law, such as under the exemption in Section 149.432 that prohibits the Library from releasing any library records or from disclosing any patron information except in situations specified in that statute. 

Access to Public Records 

Public records are available for inspection during regular business hours, excluding published holidays. Records will be organized and maintained to ensure prompt availability for inspection and copying. Requests will be addressed promptly, considering factors such as the volume of records requested, their storage location, and any necessary legal reviews. In processing a request, the library does not have an obligation to create new records or perform a search or research for information in the library’s records.  An electronic record is deemed to exist as long as a computer is already programmed to produce the record through the library’s standard use of sorting, filtering, or querying features. 

Submitting a Records Request 

To request public records, please identify the records with sufficient clarity to allow the library to locate, retrieve, and review them. No specific language or written request is required, nor is identification or intended use of the records necessary. If the request is unclear or overly broad, the library will provide an opportunity to revise it by explaining how records are maintained and accessed. 

Response to Records Requests 

The library will make public records available for inspection promptly and provide copies within a reasonable period. Any denial of public records will include an explanation with legal authority. If portions of a record are public and others are exempt, the exempt sections will be redacted, and the remainder released. 

Costs 

Those seeking public records may be charged the actual cost of making copies, not labor.  The charge for paper copies is $0.15 per page. The charge for electronic files downloaded to a compact disc is $1.00 per disc which will be provided by the library.   

Upon request, the Library will transmit a copy of a public record by mail or by other means of delivery transmission within a reasonable period of time after receiving the request. The requestor will be charged the actual cost of the postage and mailing supplies. The Library may require the requestor to pay in advance the cost involved in providing the copies, including postage.  There is no charge for e-mailed documents. 

This policy aligns with the Clyde Public Library's commitment to transparency and public access to records. 

Adopted by the Clyde Public Library Board of Trustees on September 10, 2007. Revised April 21, 2025.