Coshocton County District Library and Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum
Public Records Policy
Effective October 16, 2007
Updated October 22, 2025

Introduction

It is the policy of the Coshocton County District Library and the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum that openness leads to a better-informed citizenry, which leads to better government and better public policy. It is the policy of the Coshocton County District Library and the Johnson-Humrickhouse Museum to adhere to the state’s Public Records Act. Any denial of public records in response to a valid request must be accompanied by an explanation, including legal authority, as outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. If the request is in writing, the explanation must also be in writing. Contact the Fiscal Officer by mail or in person at the main library, 655 Main Street, Coshocton 43812, by calling the library (740) 622-0956, or by email.

Public records

In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code and applicable judicial decision, records are defined as follows:  any item that contains information stored on a fixed medium (such as paper, electronic, and other formats), is created or received by, or sent under the jurisdiction of a public office, and documents the organization functions policies, decisions procedures, operations or other activities of the office.

As required by Ohio law, records will be organized and maintained so that they are readily available for inspection and copying.

Record requests

Each request for public records should be evaluated for a response using the following guidelines:

• The requester must at least identify the records requested with sufficient clarity to allow the public office to identify, retrieve, and review the records.
• The requester does not have to put a records request in writing, and does not have to provide his or her identity or the intended use of the requested public record.
• Requested public records are to be available for inspection during regular business hours, with the exception of published holidays. These public records must be made available for inspection promptly. Copies of public records must be made available within a reasonable period of time. “Prompt” and “reasonable” take into account the volume of records requested; the proximity of the location where the records are stored; and the necessity for any legal review of the records requested.
• Each request should be evaluated for an estimated length of time required to gather the records.
• If portions of a record are public and portions are exempt, the exempt portions are to be redacted and the rest released.

Costs for Public Records

Those seeking public records may be charged only the actual cost of making copies. The law permits the copying costs to be paid up front.  Requesters may ask that documents be mailed to them. They will be charged the actual cost of the postage and mailing supplies.