The Bridge project helps public libraries in Ontario build a body of evidence that supports higher level decision-making on the management of technology services. Here is how: measures output and outcomes of technology services, understand technology service levels, learn how prepared service delivery staff are in delivering technology services, and benchmark against other Ontario Public Libraries.
Join our efforts in collecting high-value data to help libraries in Ontario deliver efficient and effective technology services.
Participation in the Bridge project is now full. We would like to thank all libraries that applied, and invite you to visit our webpage for updates on key findings, as they become available. Please also consider applying in 2020 should the project expand.
Announcing our library partners
Toronto Public Library is pleased to announce 50 library systems across Ontario that are participating in the beta phase of the project. Our beta library partners include public libraries from small to large, rural to urban, First Nations to Francophone. These library systems represent the distribution of public libraries in Ontario. Ontario libraries are working together to demonstrate the value and impact of technology services.
Our shared vision
Every Ontarian has convenient, local access to the technology they want and need, and the comfort and confidence to use it, so that they can access economic, educational, social, health and civic opportunities to achieve prosperity, advancement and overall well-being.
Our approach
To be successful, this project depends on a representative sample of public libraries in Ontario. Having a balanced perspective ensures a healthy evolution of the toolkit, and supports our goal in describing impact with the highest degree of accuracy.
Project goals and outcomes
- To generate a body of evidence to demonstrate why the library is fundamental in bridging the digital divide.
- Grow a culture of evaluation, build capacity, and advance outcome measurement.
- Involve library systems of varying sizes, geographies and technology offerings to ensure representation and richness in findings.
- Establish benchmarks and comparisons for Ontario Libraries with the support of Edge 2.0.
- Publish experiences and findings in a formal publication to be released in 2020.
- Use data and evidence to inform key stakeholders.
Learn more
We invite you to learn more about the purpose of the project, and what we have discovered so far. Please access the Technology Access in Public Libraries: Outcomes and Impacts for Ontario Libraries publication to learn more.