To facilitate prompt compliance with the Ohio Public Records Act, Ohio Revised Code Sec. 149.43, all persons seeking to inspect or obtain copies of Butler County Law Library Resources Board records are expected to comply with this policy. This policy does not apply to the use of records for official Board business by authorized individuals or to persons who desire to inspect or obtain copies of their own records. Patron records, including but not limited to circulation and Internet use records, are not subject to public inspection.

Requests to inspect or copy public records may be made to the Law Library Administrator (in person at 10 Journal Square, Suite 200, Hamilton, OH; by telephone, 513-887-3455; or via e-mail).

If a request is made directly to any other library staff member or to a member of the Board, the person is expected to immediately contact the Law Library Administrator to begin the process. The person making the request need not reveal their identity and is not required to put their request in writing.

It is the responsibility of the requestor of public records to identify with clarity the records that are sought. The Board is under no duty to seek out and retrieve records that contain specific information. For example, a request for any and all records containing any reference to a particular person or subject is overly broad and inappropriate. The Board is under no obligation to create a record that contains the information requested if it does not already exist.

Inspection is permitted during regular law library business hours. However, not all records are available for copying upon demand. Records must often be reviewed and non-public information redacted before copying will be permitted. Copies will be provided within a reasonable period of time following the request. The amount of time will depend upon the number of records requested, the need for review, and the need to redact non-public information. Costs must be paid in advance before copies will be provided.

When a public records request is made to examine a personnel file, the employee, to the extent practicable, will be notified that his or her records have been requested, and, if known, the name of the individual making the request.

If a request is denied, in whole or in part, an explanation will be provided. If you are dissatisfied with the response to a public records request, please contact the chair of the Butler County Law Library Resources Board for assistance.