OPLA’s Research and Evaluation Committee presented at the OLA Super Conference 2022: Finally Fines Free! Explore Different Ways of Using Data to Help Your Library Advocate for Going Fines Free Ontario Library Association Super Conference 2022 The link to the presentation will be provided soon. In the meantime, check out the Advocating for Fines-Free Libraries Read More…
Category: Public Libraries
Poverty in Canada by the Numbers
“No Poverty” is the 1st of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Libraries contribute to this goal by delivering programs to improve literacy and numeracy for everyone.
Researching Social Impact: 2021 Canada Research Chairs Announced
In June, the Government of Canada announced the most recent SSHRC funding and Canada Research Chair recipients. The following researchers cover topics of interest to GLAMs.
2020 Canadian Internet Use Survey shows the Digital Divide Endures
Statistics Canada recently released early findings from the 2020 Internet Use Survey. The data show that while the majority of Canadians have adequate Internet access, there remains a proportion of the population that do not have access, indicating that the digital divide endures. Takeaway 1: The majority of Canadians living in provinces have Internet access Read More…
Ontario announces funding for broadband for public libraries in unserved and underserved communities
Some wonderful news was announced at the OLA Super Conference 2021: the Ontario government is investing over $4.8 million to upgrade broadband at public libraries in rural and remote communities. Laurie Scott, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure and Lisa MacLeod, Ontario Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries co-delivered the funding announcement, which is part Read More…
Woodstock Public Library delivers $7.20 in benefits for every $1.00 invested
Woodstock Public Library (WPL) recently released the results of their economic impact survey using a methodology created by the Martin Prosperity Institute (MPI) at the University of Toronto for the Toronto Public Library. The study used Library activity data from 2018. Key findings: The total economic benefit derived from Woodstock Public Library’s activities in 2018 Read More…
New Ottawa Central Library Vision Unveiled
Ottawa’s new Central Library will be located in LeBreton Flats and open in 2024-2025. The CBC article linked here provides the design and key features. CBC: “More than just a building with books: Vision for $192M library Unveiled“
Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library brought $11 million to local economy last year
In a recent presentation to Bradford West Gwillimbury council, library CEO Terri Watman cited highlights from the library’s economic impact study. This study has been added to the LRN List of Canadian Public Library Impact Studies.
Finland Loves Libraries
A recent article published by The Guardian describes how Finland is aggressively investing in it’s urban libraries. At a time when most cities are struggling to keep their library doors open, Helsinki is planning to open their new central library, Oodi this December. The article explains the love Finns have for their libraries: in 2016, Read More…
UK releases “Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016 to 2021”
In December 2014, the Independent Library Report for England called for a national strategy which articulated what public libraries in England are and why they are a force for good for all citizens. In response, and following widespread consultation, the Libraries Taskforce has published Libraries Deliver: Ambition for Public Libraries in England 2016-2021. The report is endorsed and supported by central government Read More…