Helping libraries provide more services to patrons, keeping them up-to-date on changing technologies and
increased membership are among the goals of the new director for the Northwest Regional Library System.

Arline Radden, recently retired director of the Holmes County District Public Library, began her new job
Monday at the Bowling Green-based library system, which serves more than 70 libraries in Northwest Ohio.

Radden has 30 years experience working in public libraries. She has an English degree from the University
of Akron and a Library Science degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.
"I like the idea of helping libraries become better. To improve their services. That is what the
role of a regional library system is," Radden said.
She was chosen from a pool of about eight candidates to fill the part-time position, said Jeannine
Wilbarger, director of the Rossford Public Library. Wilbarger is also president of the NORWELD Board of
Trustees and was part of the search committee for the position.
"She has a strong belief in the process that a regional system provides in training and networking
opportunities," Wilbarger said.
NORWELD provides continuing education, technology support, and resources like book discussion sets,
rotating collections of DVDS, computer games, and electronic books to its members libraries. They also
host websites and help libraries develop websites.
A challenge to libraries is being able to provide services to patrons despite dwindling funding.
That is something the regional library system can help with, Radden said.
"We can provide low-cost continuing education so library staff can still attend training but at a
lower cost," she said.
Computer, customer service, marketing and technology seminars are among the continuing education training
offered to libraries.
Providing regional technology support is also a cost-savings to member libraries, she said.
"If they don’t have this, then they would have to have their own (technology support) staff or
contract out."
And in the age of internet and digitization, Radden said she sees the regional library system as a
resource to help libraries adapt.
"We always try to be aware of new technologies and trends so we can help libraries deal with them as
they come along," Radden said.
"That is part of our job: To stay on top of the trends and inform libraries of what is
happening."
Radden said she does not plan to make many changes in her new position.
But, she would like NORWELD to have a greater presence in Northwest Ohio and increase its library
membership.
"It’s a very well-run organization and I hope to expand on to what we do and maintain our
excellence," she said.