Ohio’s library funding structure has created stable and reliable funding for public libraries of all sizes across the state. As a result, Ohio’s libraries are generally lauded as profession-leading institutions. Most people were not aware of the potential harm that the elimination of the PLF would cause for their local library. In addition, many did not realize that the portion that libraries received from the state's general revenue fund was small in comparison to other investments.

CML leaders decided to utilize the ubiquity of social media to share this message with our more than 250,000 followers. The video would highlight the following:
- The proposed elimination of the PLF
-The consequences to libraries across the state
-The amount of funding from the state that libraries receive

The video needed to maintain a respectful tone, simplify a complex issue, and inspire followers to act (without a specific call to action).

The video was produced in-house. A traditional video would involve a person speaking directly to the camera, perhaps an organization’s CEO or Executive Director. We believed the video would get greater traction and interest by telling a story and editing with social media audiences in mind: ideally 90 seconds with jump cuts.

Although social media has become a core part of any organization’s communications strategy, it can be challenging to find the time and capacity to regularly produce videos. It was 90 seconds long but took approx. 12 hours to record, edit, and draft. Our decision to dedicate a staff member’s time to travel, record, and produce the video shows our commitment to the subject matter and the power of storytelling via social media.

We posted the video on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X pages. Our Facebook page had the most reach with 46,000 impressions and 546 shares. Instagram recorded the most reactions and comments at 5,646 and 137, respectively. Comments were overall positive, with most saying they appreciated the educational video, the simple way the video broke down a complex issue, and how it clarified that libraries across the state would be affected, not just CML.
-“Excellent video—everything from the succinct explanation to the edits! Thank you for making this.”
-“Great video. Thanks for breaking it down so clearly.”
-“Great job making the case for all of the libraries, big and small.”
-“I love this clear explanation and the focus on all libraries and all patrons – go St. Paris! Thanks CML for advocating for us all...”
-“I’ve never had a better explanation for how all this works. A+.”