The document discusses the importance of public libraries measuring and communicating their impact and value to stakeholders. It provides examples of studies that have measured the economic impact of libraries in Ontario. It also outlines key learnings and deliverables from the Public Library Success Project, including developing standardized metrics, communications strategies, and influencing skills to advocate for more provincial funding. The overall goal is to work towards a shared vision where the value of public libraries is well understood and supported by the Ontario government.

1. The Public Library Success Project: Lessons
for the Library Boards and Communities
Stephen Abram
Brant County Public Library
May 27, 2019

3. https://www2.librarygovernance.ca/gov-hub

6. Overview Of Public Library Community Impact &
Value

7. Note
• These slides were created for FOPL by Stephen Abram based on the many economic and
social impact studies accomplished in the past two years, including:
• 2018 FOPL Data Metrics Reports (based on the Ontario Public Library Data Collection):
https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
• Market Probe Canada Report on Ontarians Attitudes about Public Libraries:
https://bit.ly/2RwC6Qi
• FOPL List of Ontario Impact Studies: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z
• Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report on digital S-ROI/E-ROI: https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
• OPLA Teen Services Report: https://bit.ly/2RT5coz
• Algoma University/Nordik Institute Valuing Northern Libraries Reports:
https://bit.ly/2T0hHzE

8. Each of these Studies:
These studies were accomplished by independent consultants and
agencies:
• Nordicity Inc.
• Nordik Institute / Algoma University
• Martin Prosperity Institute at the Rotman School of Business,
University of Toronto
• Market Probe Canada
• OISE Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
• Libraries Branch, Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport

9. Learning from others
GLAM – Galleries, Libraries, Archives, &
Museums

10. What resources did we
have
Me – 3 days a week
Plus volunteers
No money
But there’s more.

11. What’s the ‘Problem”?
• We have a very COMPLEX (not complicated) value proposition
• We have great competencies BUT we need to up our game on
influence, advocacy, and focus.
• We need the tools and we need to collaborate on them nimbly and
quickly.
• Proofs and Stories
• Role of the engaged community member as spokesperson
11

12. NOT SIMPLE OR EASY

13. FOPL Talking Points
The Public Library value proposition is strong and includes (but isn’t
limited to):
o Excellent Return on Investment
o Strong Economic Development Impact
o Great Employment Support
o Welcoming New Canadians & Refugees
o Provable Early Literacy Development, school and college readiness
o Ongoing Support for Formal and Informal Education, Learning, and Homework Help
o Serve the whole community equitably with inclusionary strategies
o Affordable access to community resources
o Broad Digital Access to resources, Government Services and e-government
o Questions Deserve Quality Answers
o Support Cultural Vitality
o Recognized and Valued Leisure & Community Activities for majority of Ontarians
13

14. Becoming Strategic
• 4 Years Ago
• We analyzed what we would need to be successful
• To be honest – we had a lot of proofs but it was a MESS
• Who do we KNOW? Relationships
• What do we have? Data-Information-Insight
• How do we do this?
• Why invest in our sector? (from their perspective)
• How do we scale and build an army?
• Can we do this affordably? (BTW we’re poor!)

15. So we took a hard, honest look . . .
• Did we know our numbers?
• Can we prove our worth?
• Do we have the influencing skills we need?
• Whom can we enlist in our army?
• Can we develop the influencing skills we need?
• Do we have a relationship with our funders?
• Can we execute affordable, influential marketing communications at
scale that has positive impact?
• Can we measure success by changing public policy AND receiving
improved funding?
• Are our governance, partnership, and relationship executables
optimized?

16. What did we do?
• Scalable Influencing webinars
• Focused and upgraded our Professional Development game
(LearnHQ)
• Open Data Initiative, Real Measures and Trends, Data Analysis
• Visualization focus – The OMD Dashboard & Network
• Scalable communication and marketing strategy
• Can we invest in professional help for lobbying?
• Can we promote all sizes of libraries including indigenous and
French? ONE VOICE

17. The Real Goal
Cultural Change
A Coalition of the Willing
Engagement writ LARGE

18. We fixed our primary
structural problem
We looked hard and it was US!
SOLS, OLS-North, FOPL, & OLA (OPL, OLBA,
OSLA, OLITA, OCULA, OBFO, FNPL+, etc.)
We now share the responsibility for our sector’s
strategic initiatives

19. Deliverables
• Libraries 2020 and Libraries 2025 Summit
o (generated over $18 million)
• Library Communities of Practice (PeerHQ CoP)
• LearnHQ
o Education Institute
• AILP Annual Institute of the Library as Place
o New builds, Renovations
• Marketing Strength: Tagline
o A Visit will get you Thinking Tagline, Public Opinion Study
• OpenMediaDesk IceBoxLogic Project
• GovernanceHUB

20. More Deliverables - Influence
• Statistics
o 5th annual report with Dr. Robert Molyneux released in October 2018
o New book on Qualitative and Quantitative measurement & communication
• 4 Statistics Summits and ten recorded Measurement webinars
• Live and recorded Webinars
• Social Media Growth
• Dashboard, cohort training for 2+ years, OMD News Room, eOMD, Facebook
site
• Lobbying firm on retainer (Counsel Public Affairs)
• CFLA OLA FOPL national alliance (Truth & Reconciliation, Copyright, etc.)
• GLAM Alliance coalition started
• Political Action materials – election handbooks, website, videos, visuals, strategy

21. Our VIP Positioning
• Value
• Impact / Influence
• Positioning
21

22. Public libraries are essential to people and families
across Ontario
• Public libraries are local and adapt to the unique needs and priorities
of the people and communities they serve.
• They are Ontario’s farthest-reaching, most cost-effective institutions,
Did You Know?
 Every year, Ontarians
of all ages make 155
million visits to their
local public library.
 Ontario’s local public
libraries provide
Ontarians with access
to over 250,000
programs
22

23. Public libraries generate an important local economic impact
• Public libraries drive and sustain economic development,
especially in smaller towns and rural communities.
• Entrepreneurs are able to access resources and classes to
help start a business or re-train for a new job.
• Libraries deliver a big return on investment – in
large and small.
DidYou Know?
 Every dollar invested in public
libraries generates significant
direct economic benefits back to
the community.
 Milton: $1 = $5.67
 Pickering: $1 = $5.85
 Stratford: $1 = $7.48
 Burlington: $1 = $5.64
 Ottawa: $1 = $5.17
23

24. Entrepreneurs depend on
local public libraries
Ken
Orangeville, Ontario
Like many other budding entrepreneurs and small business owners in
communities across Ontario, Ken looked to his local public library in
Orangeville to help get his idea off the ground. With a successful career in
the computer game industry behind him, Ken founded 2Dogs Games so
he could get more hands-on with the end-to-end development – especially
the artwork and story – for a new computer game.
Ken knew that to get his project started, he needed help with the craft of
storytelling. The Orangeville Public Library was able to help with a series
of writing workshops. Ken took part and worked closely over several
months to hone his skills and approach, and credits the library’s creative
writing sessions as an integral part of bringing his idea to life. He and his
team have now published a comic to tell the backstory for the game, which
continues to be developed and has already received accolades for its
innovative focus on empathy and the mental health of its characters.
24

25. Public libraries HELP INVENTORS UNLOCK THE
POTENTIAL OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES
Alex Post
Wellington County
Ontario’s public libraries are a local resource for technology like 3D printers and software, online
databases, Virtual Reality (VR) technology, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, robotics
and much more.
The public library is a training ground for inventors and entrepreneurs, providing the space to unlock
the potential of new technologies, start companies and create jobs here at home.
Alex’s interest in the capabilities of 3D printing started at the Wellington County Library, and after
taking a short course on the use of the printer at the library, he began designing his own prints. It’s
more than just a hobby: Alex has designed a patent-pending medical device, the Puri-Purge, which
allows anyone to easily turn a typical disposable water bottle into an emergency eye wash station. It’s
already for sale in local retailers and through his company’s website, Good Neighbour Medical.
Alex hasn’t stopped there. Since getting his start at the Wellington County Library, he’s developed and
printed several other medical devices, including an emergency umbilical cord clamps and finger
splints. The company has now purchased its own 3D printer as it production ramps up. The support and
guidance of the library staff, as well as the access to ground-breaking technology, was crucial to making
his entrepreneurial vision a reality.
25

26. Public libraries respect the needs of FAMILIES in
small town and rural Ontario
Crystal
Perth, Ontario
Across Ontario, many young families depend on their local public libraries to
access children’s programs and resources that others take for granted. Crystal is
a homeschooling mother of five who moved with her family to Perth as her
husband studied at the local college. The welcoming and knowledgeable staff
made the transition easy.
From the beginning, the library became a place to connect with other young
mothers. The librarians helped her balance the demands of raising a young
family with support through enriching drop-in playgroups. They also helped
Crystal access many resources that she’s come to rely upon as part of her kid’s
education. The extensive and free children’s programming available at the local
library (including STEM clubs, reading enhancements, tutoring, language
learning, and media labs) has ignited her kids’ curiosity. In particular, Crystal
credits big improvements in her children’s reading confidence and success to the
capable, involved student tutors in the library’s Summer Literacy Program.
The library has become a second home, helping young parents like Crystal’s
ensure that their kids have the best start no matter where they live.
26

27. Public libraries SUPPORT JOB-SEEKERS
Michael
Bonfield, Ontario
When Michael was laid off from his utilities job, he set out in search of new career opportunities. With no computer at home, and no
experience applying for jobs online, Michael needed help to get started. He came to the Bonfield Public Library, where he has access to
high speed internet via public computers and received free one-on-one computer tutoring.
There, the library staff have also supported him in accessing skills training to upgrade his employment qualifications. Michael has now
completed his first online course at the library “Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST)” a requirement for employment in the
field, and was able to secure a great job in Northern Ontario.
27

28. Public libraries MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SENIORS’ QUALITY
OF LIFE
Carol
Grand Valley, Ontario
Like many seniors across rural Ontario, Carol has come to depend on her local public
library not only as a place for learning, but as an important part of her social and physical
well-being. Looking to become more active, Carol joined a senior’s low impact exercise
class at the Grand Valley Public Library when it was formed eight years ago.
More than just helping Carol stay healthy and active, the group has become an important
part of her social life. They’ve become fast friends through the years, following up their
exercise classes by going out for coffee and socializing. Together, they have helped each
other through both the hard and joyous times that many seniors face. It's made a big
difference for Carol and her fellow seniors in Grand Valley, and is a great example of the
lifeline that public libraries for seniors across Ontario.
28

29. Municipalities recognize the need for more
provincial support
• A growing number of Ontario’s municipalities and library boards have passed resolutions
supporting the need for enhanced provincial funding to help make sure public libraries in these
communities remain sustainable.
29

30. Managing Our Brand Equity
• Your digital social presence
o LinkedIn
o Facebook
o Twitter
o Instagram
o Pinterest
o Website
o e-mail signature
o Digital photo(s)
o Google search
o Publications
o SEO SMO GEO

31. FOPL Activities
• Research on Value (i.e. School Readiness Study from OISE
2012, Market Probe Study 2010)
• Coordination Meetings for all Library Statistics
• Royal Society Testimony and Recommendations
• FOPL EI Webinars on Ontario Data Collection 2011-12
• iSchool Symposium: Defining New Metrics for Library
Success
• Summit on The Future of Libraries
• Consultingcontributions of Dr. Robert Molyneux
• 2020 Branding Research and Campaign
• Hey, we had elections!
31

32. And more . . .
• AI App for libraries, Beacons trials
• Library Card Book
• 4 more books with a vendor partner (GLAM)
• Sharing beyond libraries with natural allies (GLAM, Parks & Rec, etc.)
• New government relations and funding strategy alignment
• Becoming best friends with 11 Ministries
• Measurements:
o $100 million goal for broadband funding
o $51 million goal for PLOG
o $30 million goal for content in the pipes

34. Does the
Ontario
Government
support
Public
Libraries in
Ontario?
The province of Ontario
provides less than 1/100
of a single cent per day
per capita to ALL
libraries in Ontario and
hasn’t raised that in 22
years

35. Allowing for population growth – but not for inflation
• Public Library funding in Ontario amounts to less than one cent per
resident per day and has remained unchanged for 22 years.
• And yet! . . .
• Ontario’s public Library systems have adapted, grown a lot, become
eminently digital, and programmed their hearts out to have a major
impact on social and economic return on investment!

36. Influence with Impact
I ♥
Libraries

37. THINK & REVIEW
What doesn’t exist today,
that if it did, would
fundamentally transform
our sector for the better?
I ♥
Libraries

38. PLAN
STRATEGICALLY
Lobbying Strategy 2018-
2020
I ♥
Libraries

39. IMPLEMENT
Gathering Data focused on
Stories and Aligned with a
New ASK position
I ♥
Libraries

40. DREAM: Imagining a Big
Hairy Audacious Goal
I ♥
Libraries

41. YOU CAN HELP!
• Be part of the army!
• Please invest your time in collaborate effort by:
• Support the provincial budget discussions.
• Building stronger partnerships with allied and adjacent sectors.
• Engage our members and commnuities in government influence
activities that are doable and well-focused.

42. Change
happens with
those who
show up!

43. Why Measurements?
With nicely crafted visuals libraries could do the following:
1. Communicate effectively with their trustees to get their advice on strategy as well as
support.
2. Communicate budget 'asks' effectively that place the library in the community value
delivery context.
3. Position budget growth (or at least lessen cuts) for community goal alignment and
strategic impact.
4. Explain why technology and community room spaces are as valuable (maybe more)
than books.
5. Position hybrid collection use properly in ‘circulation’.
6. Justify restoration or extension of library hours.
7. Show that your library either performs as well as or better than others or justify
investments to perform to provincial, national or sectoral norms.
43

44. Core Measurements
1. Overall value of a library membership (usage not cardholders)
2. Value of an 'open hour' (new metric unique to MPI TPL study that aggregates
cost + value)
3. Economic impact (vs. ROI) (Households and Population)
4. Per Capita 'Usage" comparison across systems, groups (like small, medium.
large, urban, suburban, rural, remote, FN, etc.), and jurisdictions (province/state)
5. A 'new' usage algorithm to modernize the old circulation stat and combine digital
and print usage into a standard, comparable metric
6. A metric for technology access tied to the digital/economic divide(s)
7. A standard operational effectiveness metric (Value for Tax Dollars)
8. Average cost per household (taxes are based on household rather than
population and better reflects funding models)
9. A metric for Use of Space (meetings, study, rooms) which was new for the MPI
study and hadn't been done before 44

45. We have a dream . . .
• Standards for our sector on impact metrics that lend themselves to the
communication, influence, and financial challenges faced by public libraries to
communicate their value to decision-makers and the public in the 21st Century
context.
• Build a set of standardized core statistics that build up to these measurements so
we could lead most libraries to start working with a new program to
communicate value (and build on their strengths in communicating pure
'usage').
• Ultimately create a tool such as a specially designed spreadsheet or dynamic
website where you input the numbers based on the standards and advice from
some group (us?!) that spits out decent data, information and visuals easily on
the other side.
45

97. Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports:
https://bit.ly/2DDewd8

101. Thank You
www.fopl.ca
Stephen Abram,
Executive Director
416-395-0746
sabram@fopl.ca
I ♥
Libraries

102. Questions & Discussion
102

103. Thank You
www.fopl.ca
Stephen Abram,
Executive Director
416-395-0746
sabram@fopl.ca

104. Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report:
https://bit.ly/2z6bP08
Do Ontarians Want More from the Public Library?
They’re asking for MORE: Programs that allow people to try out the newest tech devices
or applications, such as 3D printers or laser cutters; Library kiosks located throughout
the community where people can check out books, movies or music without having to go
to the library itself; personalized online accounts that give you recommendations based
on your past library activity; cell phone apps that allows you to access library services
from your mobile phone; online research services where you could pose questions and get
responses from librarians; cell phone apps that helps you locate material easily in the
library using GPS; E-book readers already loaded with the book you want to read;
Instruction on how to use handheld reading devices and tablets; Classes on how to
download library e-books to handheld devices; A digital media lab where you could create
and upload new digital content like your own movies or e-books . . .
So, The Answer is Yes

106. Ford Government Gun Sights
April 12, 2019 Provincial Budgets declares open season on cormorants, moose, and public libraries
#NotForThePeople

107. Ontario can protect libraries for the people that depend
on them
• Through a small investment in the province’s Public Libraries Operating Grant (PLOG) – a $17 million increase
to annual provincial base funding shared across hundreds of Ontario’s libraries – the government can ensure the long term
security of public libraries, especially in smaller towns and rural communities.
• This investment represents less than a 2.3% increase for each of the 22 years that provincial base funding has been frozen –
without adjusting for the impact of inflation.
• Enhanced, predictable and flexible annual provincial base funding for public and First Nations libraries will allow them to
address immediate issues and support long-term investment planning to address the changing needs of the people they serve.
• It will let local public libraries make decisions that best respond to the needs of their own residents and
communities – not bureaucrats at Queen’s Park.
• Ontario can help make sure that all people – no matter where they live in the province – will continue to have access to
public libraries and the critical local resources and services they provide.
107