Library Membership FAQs

Interested in becoming a Library Member of NEO-RLS?  Join today by contacting us!

Who can be a member of NEO-RLS?
All libraries existing within the counties of Ashland, Ashtabula, Carroll, Columbiana, Coshocton, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Harrison, Holmes, Knox, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, and Wayne are eligible for membership.

What is a Geographic Member?
Any library in our 22 county region is automatically a Geographic Member. Geographic Members do not pay annual dues and pay full price for continuing education programs, webinars, consulting and all other services.

What is a dues-paying Member?
Dues-paying Members support NEO-RLS through the payment of annual dues. As a result, they enjoy additional benefits and discounted continuing education programs and services. Discounts are dependent upon the level of Membership selected, Gold, Silver or Bronze and the cost is currently based on a public library’s revenue as reported to the State Library of Ohio.  Academic, School and Special libraries pay a flat annual fee for membership based on the level of Membership selected.

Why are there three levels of dues-paying Memberships?
We realize that every library has different needs and budgetary concerns. Therefore, we have created a dues structure that allows libraries the necessary flexibility to meet their needs and accommodate their budget.

Why should my library join NEO-RLS?
NEO-RLS offers multiple opportunities for developing in your position, regardless of level, and for connecting with colleagues from multi-type libraries and from throughout the region. Whether you are new to libraries or a seasoned professional, the ability to share and promote ideas and learn from each other is energizing, informative and essential to success. Connect with others through Continuing Education opportunities, our  Networks, Advisory Groups and Board Committees. All libraries are automatically Geographic Members of NEO-RLS if they exist within our 22 county region. Gold, Silver and Bronze dues-paying members are able to take advantage of the many ways to connect thought discounted continuing education programs and additional benefits. See our Membership Benefits for additional information.

How does a Library join NEO-RLS?
Each October Letters of Intent are sent to libraries asking about their intention to join NEO-RLS for the following fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). These letters are due back to NEO-RLS by December 31st. Invoices are mailed the following July to those libraries who have declared their intent to join. In addition, libraries can join at any time with a pro-rated membership by contacting us.

Can a Library join NEO-RLS at any time?
Yes, libraries can join with a pro-rated membership by contacting us.

Can you be an Individual Member of NEO-RLS?
Yes.  Beginning January 1, 2022, individuals that are retired, unemployed or work outside the NEO-RLS region or state of Ohio can purchase an individual membership.  In addition, individuals that are on a leave of absence from a library within the NEO-RLS region may also qualify for an individual membership.  Individual memberships vary in cost from $25 - $55 per year and entitle the member to participate in continuing education opportunities at 50% off the full cost.

Are there Student Memberships?
Yes, any students currently enrolled in a library and information science program and not working in a library will receive Gold Member benefits at no cost.

What if my library is not in the NEO-RLS region? Can I still attend continuing education programs and webinars?
Yes! We welcome participation from every library.   Beginning January 1, 2022, library staff working in libraries outside the NEO-RLS region or state of Ohio can purchase an individual membership and participate in continuing education opportunities at 50% off the full cost.