Department of Libraries
FY 2027 Budget Hearing Presentation
Submitted by: Natalie Currie, Executive Director, State Librarian, State Archivist, State Records Administrator
was established. The Commission was merged with the State Library in 1953.
in 1967, ODL now encompasses the following departments:
Natalie Currie
Executive Director, State Librarian, State Archivist, State Records Administrator
Agency Vision, Mission and Core Values
Vision: Oklahomans value and depend on library services and quality information to lead productive, healthy, and fulfilled lives
Mission: ODL works to ensure every Oklahoman has access to innovative, quality library and information resources and possesses the literacy skills needed to be successful in the global economy, to participate in democracy, and to accomplish individual life goals.
Core Values: We are impactful, engaged, accountable, creative, and courageous. We are devoted to quality. We are committed to our customers, colleagues, and partners. We are flexible and evolve as our customers' needs change.
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Accomplishments
Top accomplishments for FY 2025 – FY 2026
1) Invest in a Sustainable Future
legal immigration process.
Analysis of Agency Challenges | | |||
| Challenge Description | Current Actions (Briefly describe how the agency is currently addressing the challenge.) | Planned Actions (Briefly describe how the agency plans to address the challenge going forward.) | |
1 | Challenges in attracting and retaining qualified talent to meet statutory obligations, driven by salaries that fall below 90% of market rates and the inability to implement performance-based pay. | ODL has implemented a process for one-time bonus payments based on performance using carryover when available. | ODL continues to pursue an investment from the legislature for increases to base pay based on performance. ODL continues to clarify job duties and provide professional development to build needed skills. | |
2 | Protecting vital services for Oklahomans and their libraries by creating stability in the face of fluctuations | ODL has undergone extensive planning to plot pathways for navigating an end to funding for all federal projects. | Projects are being simplified and evaluated for cost reductions. ODL seeks to collaborate with the legislature to maintain core statewide services with state appropriations. | |
3 | Building a culture of effective records management across state government to unlock major cost and efficiency benefits and ensuring the State Archives’ collections are accessible, discoverable, and used. | ODL has secured buy in with the State CIO and OMES IT to implement a unified statewide strategy and shared workflows for routine digital records management and the preservation of permanent digital records. ODL has also reclassified positions to better align resources and staff capacity with this work. | Working closely with OMES, ODL will modernize records management through updated policies, procedures, training, and agency support. Early joint efforts with OMES IT will focus on improvements that produce fast, measurable savings. To advance long-term efficiency and access, ODL and OMES are assessing AI tools for collection processing that may require legislative investment. | |
Savings & Efficiencies (Current or Planned)
Savings or Efficiency Name | Brief description of how savings were achieved | Savings in Unit of Measurement* | FY 2025 (Actual $ Savings) | FY 2026 (Projected $ Savings) | FY 2027 (Projected $ Savings) |
Returning outsourced tasks back to the agency | ODL has returned many previously outsourced financial and human resources tasks back to the agency from OMES Shared Services. | Reduced costs | $46,368 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
File management | ODL has reduced its temporary digital file storage, which lowered the monthly cost for OMES ISD. | Reduced costs | $6,659.40 | $0 | $0 |
Reduced operating expenses | ODL has reduced operating expenses due to the renovation of the Allen Wright Library. Many of these reductions are temporary. | Reduced costs | $17,293.99 | $31,810.93 | Uncertain |
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* Hours, FTE, square feet, etc.
Agency Goals and Key Performance Metrics
Goal | Metric | FY 25 Target | FY 25 Actuals | FY 26 Target | |
1a | Invest in a Sustainable Future Stabilize and streamline operations by implementing the results of the 2024 Classification, Compensation and Organizational Study | Reduce agency turnover to 10% or below | 10% | 14.7% | 10% |
1b | Invest in a Sustainable Future Activate ABCs to routinely manage their records | # of agencies, boards and commissions that have requested records destructions | New KPM | n/a | 65 |
2a | Enable access to information | # of pageviews of the State Archives and State Library digital collections | Calculation has been clarified | 768,315 | 806,731 |
2b | Enable access to information | # of Interlibrary Loan Requests processed by libraries participating in the ODL WorldShare ILL program | 23,792 | 26,483 | 27,277 |
2c | Enable access to information | # of statewide online resource uses (EBSCO and Brainfuse) | 93,614,376 | 96,622,761 | 100,002,008 |
3 | Strengthen Libraries | Total number of professional development hours earned by Oklahoma public library staff through certifications and continuing education. | 3,415 | 5,902 | 5,950 |
4 | Help build thriving communities | # of engagements with health information and resources | 12,826,093 | 11,783,175 | 12,594,544 |
Projects for FY 2026
Enhance long-term operational effectiveness and cost savings by modernizing policies and processes, building staff capacity through documentation and cross-training, leveraging technology, and filling key positions. Continue collaboration with OMES to complete the Allen Wright Library Renovation.
Advance the State’s digital records management capabilities to preserve and provide access to government records and local history. Collaborate with OMES to finalize digital records management and archiving workflows, train agencies to properly dispose of or transfer digital records, and partner with vendors to accelerate digitization of the State Archives.
Strengthen library services by expanding staff professional development throughout the state, leveraging technology to improve delivery, and using quality data to inform decisions. Conduct an RFP and engage a consulting firm to complete the federally required LSTA program evaluation and five-year plan.
Advance community well-being by championing literacy development, lifelong learning, health and wellness, and civic engagement across Oklahoma. Collaborate with the Oklahoma Broadband Office to connect public libraries with U.S. Treasury Capital Projects–funded opportunities that “enable workforce engagement, education access, and healthcare monitoring". Support public libraries in leading statewide America250 community celebrations.
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Projects for FY 2027
Complete the Allen Wright Library renovation and move collections, services, and staff back into the
building; Work with the Legislature and Governor’s office to complete updates to the Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 67 Rules of the Archives and Records Commission; Develop the agency’s next strategic plan for implementation in 2028.
Strengthen the State’s digital records management infrastructure to ensure long-term preservation and access to government records. Work with OMES to implement standardized digital records management and archiving workflows, train agencies on digital disposition and transfer and, engage vendors to expedite digitization of the State Archives.
Enhance library staff knowledge and skills through professional development opportunities. Leverage technology to improve services and use quality data to inform decision-making.
Facilitate the development of literacy skills, provide lifelong learning opportunities, promote health and wellness, and encourage good citizenship and community engagement.
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Total Historic Actual Expenditures
(FY 2021-25) and Current Year Budget (FY 2026)
Explanation of Changes and Trends
The agency distributed an additional $2.8 million in federal ARPA funds between FY2022 and FY2024. We continue to realign existing resources to support needed positions and meet statutory obligations, but high turn over each year has created $991,813 in carryover funding. Actual appropriations for FY2026 are $5,728,358.
Estimated Impact of Federal Funding Changes
Program Name | Federal Agency | Description of expected change (s) (i.e. change in state match, admin costs, program requirements or client eligibility, etc.) | Actual FY 25 Total Federal Funding Received ($) | Projected FY 26 Total Federal Funding To Be Received ($) | Estimated FY 27 Total Federal Funding To Be Received ($) |
LSTA – Library Services & Technology Act | IMLS – Institute of Museum and Library Services | The FFY26 Executive Budget proposes eliminating IMLS and the LSTA Grants to States program. As of 12/2/25, Congress agrees the program should remain fully funded. | $2,364,609 | $2,769,760 | $2,769,760 |
State Board Programming Grants (NHPRC) | National Archives and Records Administration | The FFY26 Executive Budget proposes eliminating NHPRC. As of 12/2/25, Congress agrees NHPRC continue to be funded. | $0 | $44,435 | $35,565 |
* Only list programs with federal funding that are expected to change. Refer to the agency’s Federal Funds Schedule in the Budget Request document.
FY 2026
Budgeted Full Time Equivalents (FTE)
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| FY 2026 Budgeted FTE |
Total FTE | 39.7 |
Supervisor FTE | 13 |
Supervisors to Total FTE Ratio (%) | 33% |
Current Budgeted but Unfilled FTE | 4.78 |
Appropriation History
$4.3M
$4.3M
$5.0M
$5.8M
$5.7M
$4.0M
$3.0M
$2.0M
$1.0M
$0.0K
$5.0M
$6.0M
$7.0M
FY 2022
FY 2023
FY 2024
FY 2025
FY 2026
Five-Year Appropriation History
Fiscal Year | Legislated Appropriation ($) (Includes supplementals and SRF/ARPA.) |
FY 2022 | $4,346,315 |
FY 2023 | $4,536,315 |
FY 2024 | $5,036,315 |
FY 2025 | $5,838,863 |
FY 2026 | $5,738,358 |
Appropriation Supplemental SRF
*Includes Supplemental and Statewide Recovery Fund (ARPA) appropriations.
Financial Resource Analysis
Carryover | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
Total appropriated carryover amount expended ($) | $90,493 | $283,725 | $467,976 | $817,253.31 |
Revolving Class Fund # (Unrestricted only) | Revolving Class Fund Name (Unrestricted only) | Current cash balance ($) | Projected FY 2026 year-end cash balance ($) |
#20000 | Revolving | $158,858.33 | $75,000 |
#19102 | One-time appropriated funds | $157,135.40 | $0 |
#19511 | FY25 Carryover | $1,222,884.45 | $500,000 |
# | | $ | $ |
# | | $ | $ |
# | | $ | $ |
| Total Unrestricted Revolving Fund Cash balance: | $1,538,878.18 | $575,000 |
Historical Cash Balances | FY 2022 | FY 2023 | FY 2024 | FY 2025 |
Year End Revolving Fund Cash Balances (All Revolving Funds) | $129,599 | $153,463 | $90,551 | $158,858.33 |
Unrestricted funds are those that are not limited by state or federal law, rule, regulation, other legally binding method, or donor restriction.
FY 2024 – 2025 Appropriation Change Review
Purpose of appropriation increase or decrease | Amount FY 2024 | Amount FY 2025 | Total amount received FY 2024 - 25 | Total amount expended by 11/1/2025 | Included in FY 2026 approp? (Yes/No) | If not expended fully, please explain. |
Materials for State Library | $35,000 | $35,000 | $70,000 | $70,000 | Y | |
Professional Development | $30,000 | $30,000 | $60,000 | $54,500 | Y | FY23 carryover funds covered selected FY25 professional development expenses. |
Contract Services (OMES) | $25,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | Y | |
Computer Leasing Compliance | $60,000 | $60,000 | $120,000 | $31,906 | Y | The request arose from misunderstanding the OMES lease program. In FY24, all staff moved to leased laptops costing $19,000 annually, and remaining funds covered inflation-related cost increases. |
Retirement Payouts | $40,000 | $40,000 | $80,000 | $80,000 | Y | |
Pay rate increases to meet market rate | $354,547 | $354,547 | $709,094 | $709,094 | Y | |
Records Management Software and Hardware | $0 | $448,001 | $448,001 | $290,867 | Y | Remaining one-time funds are designated for upgrading scanning technology and outsourcing digitization. |
Totals | $544,547 | $992,548 | $1,537,095 | $1,286,367 | | |
FY 2026 Appropriation Change Review
Purpose of appropriation increase or decrease | Amount of increase or decrease ($) | Does this need to be included in your FY 2027 appropriation? (Yes/No) | If yes, included in appropriation for same purpose? (Yes/No) | If not included for same purpose, please explain. |
Recurring expense of State Archives and Records Management technology | $242,043 | Yes | Yes | |
One-time cost to set up new State Archives and Records Management technology | ($352,548) | No | No | |
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Total adjustment | ($110,505) | | | |
*Do not include SRF / ARPA appropriation increases.
Incremental & Supplemental Request Summary
Request Name | FY 2027 Incremental Appropriation Request Amount ($) {or FY 2026 for Supplementals} | Type of Request: Recurring, One-time, or Supplemental | |
1 | Contingent on loss of federal funds, state appropriations to sustain critical statewide services and grants to public libraries (May need to be supplemental) | $2,527,240 | Recurring |
2 | Outsource digitization and processing of State Archives to ensure records are accessible and discoverable for government transparency and accountability | $500,000 | One-time |
3 | Invest in small, rural libraries by increasing State Aid minimum payments from $1,300 to $4,000 | $178,005 | Recurring |
4 | Implement Class, Comp and Org Study results: Implement pay for performance | $126,050 | Recurring |
5 | Invest in the State Correctional Institutions Library Program to reduce recidivism | $50,000 | Recurring |
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(1) Incremental Budget Request
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Contingent on loss of federal funds, state appropriations to sustain critical statewide services and grants to public libraries | |
Type: Recurring | Incremental Amount Requested for FY 2027: $2,527,240 |
Federal support for public libraries has become less predictable in the last year. LSTA funding from IMLS underpins critical library services statewide, and instability at the federal level puts these services at risk. Of the request total, $1,939,190 funds core library services at the state level, like research databases and interlibrary loan. The balance of $588,050 would replace grant funding directed to public libraries for programming, technology, or collections. To protect Oklahomans and maintain continuity of operations, the agency recommends adding a contingency clause to the General Appropriations bill to ensure these programs remain funded if federal library funding is eliminated. Texas recently adopted a similar measure in its SFY26–27 General Appropriations Act guaranteeing continuity of statewide programs should federal funds be disrupted. | |
(2) Incremental Budget Request
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Outsource digitization and processing of State Archives | |
Type: One-Time | Incremental Amount Requested for FY 2027: $500,000 |
Only about 5% of the current State Archives physical collection has been digitized and made accessible online. This severely limits the ability of Oklahomans to achieve government transparency and accountability. With an investment of $500,000, we estimate 50% of the current State Archives collection could be digitized and processed so it can be added to the online digital collection. We estimate based on the available per–cubic-foot rates, the low-cost scenario ($40) for digitizing and processing the entire print-era State Archives for preservation and access totals approximately $5.46 million, while the high-cost scenario ($92.742) totals approximately $12.66 million. | |
(3) Incremental Budget Request
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Invest in small, rural libraries by increasing State Aid minimum payments from $1,300 to $4,000 | |
Type: Recurring | Incremental Amount Requested for FY 2027: $178,005 |
The agency’s main vehicle to grow public library capacity is the State Aid to Public Libraries program, which is currently budgeted at $1,489,277. State Aid is distributed to public libraries and library systems that meet minimum standards for “adequate” library service, with the goal that all public libraries remain eligible each year. The complex distribution formula is calculated based on the number of libraries in each county, the city and county population, and the county mileage. The smallest independent libraries currently receive a minimum State Aid award of $1,300 each year. The agency recommends increasing the minimum State Aid award to $4,000 to directly and immediately make transformative changes to the capacities of small, rural libraries. Based on reports from libraries on how they use State Aid, we expect the increase to be used for core services such as improving collections and replacing failing technology. | |
(4) Incremental Budget Request
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Implement Class, Comp, and Org Study results – Implement pay for performance | |
Type: Recurring | Incremental Amount Requested for FY 2027: $126,050 |
The agency completed a classification, compensation, and organizational study in September 2024. To address salaries currently below 90% of market rate and continued high turnover, a pay for performance model was recommended. Implementing pay-for-performance increases to base salary will create a results-driven culture, rewarding excellence and aligning individual performance with organizational goals, benefiting both ODL and its employees. In SFY25, the agency implemented one-time bonus payments for staff based on PMP scores using one-time carryover funding when available. | |
(5) Incremental Budget Request
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Invest in the State Correctional Institutions Library Program to reduce recidivism | |
Type: Recurring | Incremental Amount Requested for FY 2027: $50,000 |
A long standing federal LSTA project that currently serves 22 adult, and 13 juvenile state operated correctional facilities by providing library materials for their onsite collections. Access to educational and vocational reading materials equips incarcerated individuals with the tools they need to successfully re-enter society. Studies consistently show that literacy and education lower rates of repeat offenses, leading to safer communities. We request the legislature appropriate $50,000 to increase the number of books in correctional facilities by nearly 4,000 copies statewide. | |