2022 Bridge Project

Toronto Public Library is pleased to announce the 2022 Bridge Project. In our continuing efforts to be responsive to the rapidly changing technology landscape, we are working closely in collaboration with Urban Libraries Council and Ontario Library Service to help Ontario public libraries understand and demonstrate the impact their technology services are having in their communities.

In 2022, the Bridge Project is dedicated to build public libraries' capacity and skill to collect, analyze and communicate data and to demonstrate public libraries' vital role in advancing digital equity in their communities.

2022 Registration Campaign

• Watch our recent OLS Information Session about the 2022 Bridge Project programs and toolkits - 2022 Bridge Project
• Bridge Toolkit Subscription - CLOSED, reopens in Fall.
• Edge 2.0 Subscription - OPEN, register here
• Data Inclusion Action Program - CLOSED
• Data Fluency Program - CLOSED

The Bridge Project helps public libraries in Ontario assess and demonstrate the impact of technology services offered in Ontario public libraries. We invite you to explore this website to learn more about the project.

About the Toolkits

The Bridge Project provides access to two toolkits, Bridge Technology Services Assessment Toolkit and Edge 2.0 to evaluate services offered by public library systems in Ontario. The toolkits are complementary. When used together, libraries can better respond to the changing needs of Ontarians. The toolkits are free to use for all public libraries in Ontario. For more information, see the toolkit information tabs on the right-hand panel.

Digital Inclusion Action Program

A six-month digital inclusion cohort designed to support libraries in actively addressing COVID-19 gaps for an equitable recovery and strategically leveraging library resources.

Meetings and Events

• Understanding Digital Equity - March 31

  A stage-setting introduction that highlights the rule of public libraries in breaking down barriers to equitable digital opportunities and experiences. This session will map out the greatest challenges and opportunities for fostering digital equity as communities begin to move forward from the pandemic.

• Measuring Digital Divide

  Three facilitated peer discussions that support libraries in discovering new ways to understand and visualize digital access in their community, including:

  • Measuring Digital Divide Part 1: Understanding Broadband Access - April 28
  • Measuring Digital Divide Part 2: Determining Device Access - June 2
  • Measuring Digital Divide Part 3: Assessing Digital Literacy - June 30

• Assessing Community Needs - July 28

  A training course that helps libraries develop and deploy a basic community needs assessment and apply results to enhance decision making and action planning around community needs and goals.

Insight to Action Workshop

A workshop series that guides libraries in analyzing Edge and community data, creating goals and taking action to advance outcomes focused on digital inclusion and the COVID-19 recovery. The workshops will include:

• Developing Digital Inclusion Goals - August 16
• Selecting Service and Resource Models - August 23

Edge Assessment Building Blocks

A webinar series that guides libraries in completing each section of the Edge Assessment and highlights how other libraries have used the Edge Assessment to create change, improve services and increase funding. All webinars are available on https://www.libraryedge.org, libraries are encouraged to view recordings. The webinars will focus on:

• Community Value
• Engaging the Community and Decision Makers
• Organizational Management

Data Fluency Program

The Edge Data Fluency Program is designed for all levels of library staff to build data skills. Libraries will have peer discussions to support libraries in finding, analyzing and using various data sources to inform decisions and communicate effectively with stakeholders to demonstrate how their work is essential in the COVID-19 recovery.

Data Fluency Cohort Meetings:

• Intro to Data Fluency - March 29
• Community Data - April 26
• Library Data - June 1
• Program Data - June 28
• Data Storytelling - July 26

Capstone Project Event - August 30

Libraries will apply the data skillset developed over the year through the program's capstone project - creating an Edge Progress Snapshot and using it in a five-minute mock presentation before cohort peers.

Insight to Action Workshop - August 16 & 23

Libraries have the opportunity to join the Digital Inclusion Action Program workshop, Insight to Action.

A 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.

Project Goals and Outcomes

• To grow an evaluation culture, build capacity, and advance outcome measurement in the public library sector.
• To enable libraries to better serve their communities by harnessing the power of data to make informed decisions.
• To help libraries expand the reach of the technology services that they deliver to their communities, and measure the effectiveness of those services.
• To demonstrate public libraries' vital role in bridging the digital divide and advancing digital equity in their communities.