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: Social Impact
Study: U.S. Public Libraries Improve Student Achievement
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago recently published a working paper to explore the effects of public library use. “The Returns to Public Library Investment” working paper studies “how capital investment in public libraries affects library operations, patron usage, and local communities, with a focus on student achievement.” Findings The study first establishes the link Read More…
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…
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…
The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces
Earlier this year, Civica, in collaboration with the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, released the new edition of their Changing Landscape Report: The Intrinsic Value of Libraries as Public Spaces. This edition expands the research outside Australia and New Zealand to include Singapore and the UK. The report Read More…
The Library Dividend Summary Report: A guide to the socio-economic value of Queensland’s public libraries (2012)
This report was conducted by SGS Economics and Planning for the Library Board of Queensland, Australia, in September 2012. Snippet: For every $1 invested in Queensland Public Libraries they deliver $2.30 value to the community. New independent research commissioned by State Library of Queensland on behalf of public libraries proves and quantifies the value of Read More…