Niagara regional presentation april 27 2019

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR LIBRARY WITH
IMPACTFUL DATA
STEPHEN ABRAM
NIAGARA REGION LIBRARY BOARDS APR. 27, 2019

NOT SIMPLE OR EASY
NOT SIMPLE OR
EASY

IDEAS ARE THE CURRENCY OF INFLUENCE

START WITH THE “WHY?”
INFLUENCE OUT OF CONTEXT IS JUST A PARTY CONVERSATION.

ADVOCACY IS DIFFERENT
 Public Relations is getting your library’s message across – This is who we are and what we do, where
and for whom.
 Marketing is understanding your customer and how to best deliver services and products
 Advocacy is marketing an ISSUE. Support and awareness are built incrementally. Advocacy is an
agenda and not an event!

ASK YOURSELF . . .
HOW DO LIBRARIES DIFFER AS AN ISSUE?
ARE LIBRARIES DIFFERENT THAN OTHER COMMUNITY OR TAX
FUNDED SERVICES?
ARE LIBRARIANS DIFFERENT THAN LIBRARIES?
VIEW FROM THE LISTENER’S POINT OF VIEW AND
EXPERIENCE?

SELLING IDEAS
YOU ARE ENGAGING IN AN INFLUENCE AGENDA.
SELLING IS NOT A DIRTY WORD!
POLITICS IS NOT A DIRTY WORD!

SELLING
YOURSELF
YOU ARE ENGAGING IN A LONG TERM RELATIONSHIP!
INVEST YOUR PERSONALITY
POSITION YOURSELF AND NOT MERELY YOUR LIBRARY’S
RESOURCES AND SPACES. . .

YOUR COMMUNITY IMPACT AND VALUE
YOUR RESOURCES BUT AS THE FOUNDATION
FOR OUTPUTS NOT INPUTS
YOUR COMPETENCIES – NOT JUST YOUR
SKILLS
YOUR INSIGHTS AND ADVICE
YOUR NETWORK AND CONNECTIONS
YOU!
WHAT ARE YOU SELLING?

MANAGING YOUR BRAND EQUITY
 Your social presence in person
 Dress
 Voice
 Office
 Handshake
 Active listening
 Conversation pieces
 The Introvert Advantage

MANAGING YOUR BRAND EQUITY
 Your digital social presence
 LinkedIn
 Facebook
 Twitter
 Instagram
 Pinterest
 Website
 e-mail signature
 Digital photo(s)
 Google search
 Publications
 SEO SMO GEO

TO WHOM MUST YOU
ADVOCATE?
• YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS &
STAFF…
• YOUR COMMUNITY - USERS, NON-
USERS, CLIENTS, CUSTOMERS…
• POLITICIANS AND COUNCILS
• USERS, CLIENTS, CUSTOMERS…
• VENDORS…
• WHO ELSE?

ESSENTIALS FOR ADVOCACY
 Someone who cares
 Courage
 Trustworthiness
 Passion
 Belief
 Proofs
 Stories and Knowledge
 Respect for whom you need to influence
 Understanding beyond caricature (e.g. Politicians, the “Boss”, Teens, Seniors, The “Public”, Vendors...)

BEFORE
YOU NEED
IT!!
When is Advocacy Needed?

AIDA: ATTENTION, INTEREST, DESIRE, ACTION
‘

WHY IS ADVOCACY NEEDED?
 Is our environment changing? Then you need to advocate and re-position.
 Are consumer or community expectations changing?
 Survive or Thrive? Choose words carefully since they frame understanding .
. .
 To avoid downsizing of locations, budgets, staff, collections that hurt end-
user success, opportunities and goals
 To address shallow thinking about the web, access, electronic resources like
e-books, or the role of community libraries
 To speak up for the silent majority of library users
 To position libraries in the minds of funders and decision-makers
 To prepare for future success and to build a well of support and goodwill
 To inoculate against political trends and competition for resources and
capital within communities (police, fire, parks, etc.)

Advocacy
Activities
Must
Be
PLANNED!

QUALITIES OF EFFECTIVENESS
23
 LISTEN first
 Be visible
 Be likable
 Be FOR something . . . not just against a policy or
position.
 Be memorable
 Thank supporters for the past support - well and often
 Follow up with a thank you note
 And don't complain, whine, attack, or be memorably
negative.

THE PLAYERS
24
 Library board members (trustees)
 The CEO
 Library management team
 Library staff
 The union leadership
 Community partners
 Other municipal departments (that may be partners or competitors for
public or funding attention)
 Cardholders
 The community (groups, associations, individuals, donors)
 Your associations (FOPL, OLA, OLBA, OPLA, AMPLO, ARUPLO,
CELUPL, CULC) and suppliers (SOLS, OLS-N, vendors) who have a
shared interest in your success.

TIPS
 Be short and to the point
 Avoid library jargon
 Be visual (pictures and charts)
 Avoid raw statistics and instead show measurements and impact
 Make your point about impact memorable.
 Train everyone connected to your talking points so that they can follow up and not just parrot.
25

REGIONAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW: KEY MESSAGES
26
 Ontario’s local public library boards are voluntary & community-led. Unlike county library boards, which are entirely comprised of
elected officials, community members are required by law to make up a majority of the members of local public library boards.
 All of Ontario’s local library board trustees are unpaid, and take on these important roles to ensure that the public library is able to
sustainably deliver critical resources and services to the people of their communities.
 Local public library boards are independent from local municipal government, while at the same time are focused on responding
to the needs and character of their communities. Many own their own public library buildings, are independently incorporated,
and all maintain independent oversight of local public library budgets as set being guided by municipal fiscal decision-making.
 This local & independent tradition, which has existed for over a century and is set out in the Public Libraries Act, and is what sets
public library boards apart from other municipal boards established under the Municipal Act.
 It reflects the fact that outside of major urban centres, local & independent public library boards are essential to ensuring that
people are able to access critical resources and services through the public library close to home.
 Our local library board members are community leaders, small business people and professionals – not always politicians. They
understand how to deliver the most value from every dollar spent and work cooperatively to deliver the greatest impact for local
people.
 We strongly urge the reviewers, in preparing their recommendations for the Ontario government, to maintain the current
framework for local, independent public library boards in Ontario.
 We also welcome the opportunity to work together with the Ontario government to address outdated red tape that will help our
local public library boards deliver essential resources and services even more cost-effectively.
 Lastly we support our cooperative agencies that ensure cost-effectiveness and efficiencies in local library operations.

TIPS
1. Be politically neutral and non-partisan - respectful all the way.
2. Never confront but educate.
3. Be helpful and offer up further consultation, data, conversation, and advice.
4. Position the "People" as front and centre and focus on the needs of small and rural communities (which
aligns with the PC base)
5. This review is only southern Ontario, so don't get distracted by other (important) Northern Ontario
issues.
6. Highlight the great resources and productivity/cost-effectiveness of SOLS and other
cooperatives/consortia (Simcoe County Library Cooperative, etc.) and recommend expansion of
centralized services rather than amalgamation of library systems so that cost efficiencies are realized
and local representation is honoured.
27

THE IMPACT FACTOR CHECKLIST
 Brief
 Succinct
 Complete
 Intelligible
 Shock Value/Surprise
 Upbeat
 Illustrative
 Appropriate
 Personable
 Memorable
 Inspirational
 Actionable
28

TEST YOUR STORY(IES) USING THESE TIP’S
 Is it short and sweet? Can listeners quickly get the message and repeat it to others later
 Is there just enough detail to get the point across or does it wander?
 Does if answer the basic questions: Who? What? When? Where? How?
 Will your audience appreciate the situation you are describing? Does this tale resonate?
 Is the situation unusual in any way? Can the ending be predicted? Where’s the “punch line”? Are
they likely to retell it?
 Does the story have a happy ending? Finish on a high note.
 Does this story implicitly illustrate an impact the library made and the outcome you want?
 Does this story fit with your main business?
 Will the audience identify with or care about your story’s hero?
 Will the listener be able to remember this story? Can it be easily retold?
 Does the story have the potential to cause listeners to think about what it means to them?
 Does the story have the potential to spring the listener to a new level of understanding and action?
29

IMPLEMENTATION: TALKING POINT TOOLS
 Tools
 Presentations
 Handouts
 Annual Reports
 Video (YouTube)
 Social Media (Facebook, Twitter,
Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, etc.)
 Press releases
 Print Media
 Events
30

STRATEGIES – P’S AND C’S AND MORE
 Who?
 What?
 Where?
 When?
 Why?
 How?
 (News)
 Product
 Place
 Positioning
 Promotion
 People
 Price
 Public
Relations
 (Kotler)
31
 Plan
 Ploy
 Pattern
 Priorities
 Position
 Perspective
 (Mintzberg)
 Concept
 Common Interest
 Community
 Context
 Creativity
 Content
 Climate
 Collaborators
 Counsellors
 Competitors
 Citizens
Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance

CRAFTING MESSAGES
Am I an introvert or extrovert or somewhere in between?
Who is the general audience? Who is interested?
What interests them?
What should I do to pique their interest?
Will they agree with what I have to say?
And will they commit or just nod?
If not (which will likely be the case!) what counter-arguments
should I be prepared to answer?

KEY TACTICAL TIPS
 Mirror body image and stance
 Introduce others
 Lead the conversation
 Engage and Disengage
 Share your ideas
 People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
 Follow through

LOGIC AND VALUES
Bias: Impact, Quality, Speed, Time-savings,
Authority, Comprehensiveness, strategic
alignment with community needs,... the Truth?!
Why do you think there’s a problem at all?
Is it conceptual or pragmatic? What are the costs? Is
their perception of the ‘issue’ the same as your’s?
Competition?
What kind of solution do you propose?
Does it ask me to do something or to understand
something? Does it match the problem exactly?
Is it a relatively better way, compatible with my
methods, less complex, trialable, and observable?

PLAN WITHIN A PLAN
• Identify your goal and message
• Establish relationships with key decision makers
• Work with key stakeholders, find new friends
• Link with groups that may influence decisions
• Stay up-to-date with research
• Keep plans ongoing

Lobbying
Grassroots
Partnering

ROBERT CIALDINI'S SIX TACTICS
 Authority
 Consistency and
commitment
 Liking
 Reciprocity
 Scarcity
 Social proof

TIMMIES’ COFFEE
http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_ioCJ2kqZyyU/TWY39FR9okI/AAAAAAAAFT4/HkdkuHriXFY/s1400/020611-Tim-Hortons-001a.jpg

THE QUICK BREAK: HOT DOGS OR DELI

SOCIAL – OUT(STANDING) IN THE FIELD

WHAT PUBLIC LIBRARIES SAY THEY MEAN -
MISSIONS

TESTIMONIALS AND WORD-OF-MOUTH

Find Target, Aim, Shoot, Check-in

Thank Heaven You Have the Library!

WHAT RESOURCES DID WE HAVE
ME – 3 DAYS A WEEK
PLUS VOLUNTEERS
NO MONEY
BUT THERE’S MORE.

4 YEARS AGO
 We analyzed what we would need to be successful
 To be honest – we had a lot but it was a MESS

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?
 Do we have an army?
 Can we develop the skills we need?
 Do we have a relationship with our funders?
 Can we execute affordable, influential marketing communications at scale
that works?
 Can we measure success by changing public policy AND receiving improved
funding?
 Are our governance, partnership, and relationship executables optimized?

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
 Scalable communication and marketing strategy
 Can we focus on getting help in lobbying?
 Can we promote all sizes of libraries including indigenous and French

THE REAL GOAL
CULTURAL CHANGE
A COALITION OF THE WILLING
ENGAGEMENT WRIT LARGE

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 SECTOR’S STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

DELIVERABLES
 Libraries 2020 and Libraries 2025 Summit
 ($18 million plus)
 Community of practice
 LearnHQ
 Education Institute
 AILP Annual Institute of the Library as Place
 New builds, Renovations
 Tagline
 A Visit will get you Thinking
 OpenMediaDesk IceBoxLogic

MORE DELIVERABLES - INFLUENCE
 Statistics
 5th annual report with Dr. Robert Molyneux
 Full scale book on Qualitative and Quantitative measurement & communication
 4 Statistics Summits and ten recorded webinars
 Live and recorded Webinars
 Social Media Growth
 Dashboard, cohort training for 2+ years, OMD NewsRoom, Facebook site
 Lobbying firm on retainer (Counsel Public Affairs) $80 million
 CFLA OLA FOPL alliance (Truth & Reconciliation, Copyright, etc.)
 GLAM Alliance
 Political Action materials – handbooks, website, videos, visuals, strategy

GOALS AND SUCCESSES
 AI App for libraries, Beacons trials
 Library Card Book
 4 more books with a vendor partner (GLAM)
 Sharing beyond libraries with natural allies (GLAM and Parks&Rec)
 New government relations and funding strategy alignment
 $100 million goal for broadband funding
 $80 million goal with OLA
 $52 million goal for content in the pipes
 Becoming best friends with 11 ministries and premier

SO LET’S TALK CULTURE
 I mentioned a coalition of the willing
 Use network theory
 Provide a path and people will lead, tour and follow
 Use the adoption curve
 Share infections – have attitude go viral and local

FOPL STATISTICS ACTIVITIES
STEPHEN ABRAM, MLA , FOPL EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR

FOPL TALKING POINTS
The Public Library value proposition is strong and includes (but isn’t limited to):
 Excellent Return on Investment
 Strong Economic Development
 Great Employment Support
 Welcoming New Canadians & Refugees
 Provable Early Literacy Development
 Ongoing Support for Formal and Informal Education, Learning, and Homework Help
 Serve the whole community equitably with inclusionary strategies
 Affordable access to community resources
 Broad Digital Access to resources, Government Services and e-government
 Questions Deserve Quality Answers
 Support Cultural Vitality
 Recognized and Valued Leisure Activities for majority of Ontarians
69

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
70

OUR VIP POSITIONING
 Value
 Impact / Influence
 Positioning
72

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
 Consulting contributions of Dr. Robert Molyneux
 2020 Branding Research and Campaign
 Hey, we had elections!
73

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.
74

CORE STATISTICS (CLA DRAFT)
1. Service points and visits
2. Reference questions
3. Circulation (of particular item types)
4. Population served
5. E-resource holdings
6. Children’s membership and services
7. Staffing
8. Internet / PAC / Wi-Fi
9. Programming
10. Total operating expenditures
75

CORE MEASUREMENTS (FOPL DRAFT)
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 76

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.
77

USING YOUR LIBRARY’S STATISTICS AND KEY RATIOS
Public
Library
Statistics
MTCS
Municipal
Government
OLS
Other
Provincial
Ministries
Services to
Library
Patrons

FOPL TALKING POINTS
The Public Library value proposition is strong and includes (but isn’t limited to):
 Excellent Return on Investment
 Strong Economic Development Impact
 Great Employment Support
 Welcoming New Canadians & Refugees
 Provable Early Literacy Development, school and college readiness
 Ongoing Support for Formal and Informal Education, Learning, and Homework Help
 Serve the whole community equitably with inclusionary strategies
 Affordable access to community resources
 Broad Digital Access to resources, Government Services and e-government
 Questions Deserve Quality Answers
 Support Cultural Vitality
 Recognized and Valued Leisure & Community Activities for majority of Ontarians
79

BECOMING STRATEGIC
 4 Years Ago
 We analyzed what we would need to be successful
 To be honest – we had a lot 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!)

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

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

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

MORE DELIVERABLES - INFLUENCE
 Statistics
 4th annual report with Dr. Robert Molyneux released in October 2018
 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, Facebook site
 Lobbying firm on retainer (Counsel Public Affairs) $80 million
 CFLA OLA FOPL national alliance (Truth & Reconciliation, Copyright, etc.)
 GLAM Alliance coalition started
 Political Action materials – election handbooks, website, videos, visuals, strategy

OUR VIP POSITIONING
 Value
 Impact / Influence
 Positioning
85

FOPL ACTIVITIES
 Research on Value (i.e. School Readiness Study from
OISE 2012, Market Probe Study 2010, Economic & Social
RIO/ROE)
 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
 Consulting contributions of Dr. Robert Molyneux
 2020 Branding Research and Campaign
 Hey, we got elections!
86

COMING SOON
 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 and Premier
 Measurements:
 $100 million goal for broadband funding
 $51 million goal for PLOG
 $30 million goal for content in the pipes

SO LET’S TALK FINAL STRATEGY
 I mentioned a coalition of the willing
 We use network theory and build our army
 We provide a path and people will enrol, lead, engage, and follow
 Use the adoption curve
 Share infections – have attitude & go viral and local

NEXT WEEK’S MEETING WITH THE MINISTRY
SLIDES AND STRATEGY
90

STRENGTHENING ONTARIO’S
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
ONTARIO’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES:
91

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,
helping millions of Ontarians reach their potential through self-
improvement by providing:
 Job training – and re-training – programs and resources
 Small business support and community economic development
 Equitable, reliable access to broadband internet in underserviced areas
 Affordable, high-quality children’s programs for young families
 Self-directed, lifelong learning
 It’s no surprise that public libraries are consistently voted by people as one
one of Ontario’s most trusted institutions (Pew Research Center, 2016;
2017; Varheim, 2014)
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
92

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
communities 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
93

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.
94

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.
95

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. 96

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.
97

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.
98

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.
99

PUBLIC LIBRARIES NEED HELP
 Public libraries are experts at maximizing the value of every dollar, but many public
library budgets are being stretched to the limit– even though more people depend on them
than ever before.
 This is especially true for public libraries in smaller towns and rural communities across
Ontario.
 Predictable, flexible funding gives public libraries the discretion to make long-term investments that
best meet the needs of their local communities.
 Despite inflation, changes in technology and the increasing importance of libraries as vital institutions
in smaller towns and rural Ontario, provincial base funding for public libraries has been frozen for
the past 20 years.
 Under the previous government, a patchwork of occasional, one-time grants focused on funding
provincial priorities set in downtownToronto – not those of the local libraries and the communities
they serve – and forced libraries to make “use it or lose it” decisions rather than smart, long-term
investments based on local priorities.
 Because of these significant funding shortcomings, libraries have become experts at getting the
best value for every dollar.They’ve shared best practices to use innovation and technology to make
library resources more accessible and responsive to people’s changing needs.
DidYou Know?
✓ Provincial base
funding for public
libraries is provided
through the Public
Libraries Operating
Grant (PLOG), which
respects local
decision-making.
100

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.
101

THANK YOU
WWW.FOPL.CA
Stephen Abram,
Executive Director
416-395-0746
sabram@fopl.ca

Source: 2018 FOPL Data Reports:
https://bit.ly/2DDewd8
Are Public Libraries Growing in Ontario?
In the past ten years Ontario’s public
libraries have experienced:
• A 66% growth in program
attendance
• Grown program numbers by 83%
So that answer is YES!

Source: FOPL List of Studies: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z
Over 2 dozen Ontario, local
economic, impact studies of public
libraries in Ontario shows an average
$5.41 for every dollar invested by the
community. This is a very
conservative ROI calculation on
economic impact alone. Add in
social ROI and it soars.
Do Public Libraries Have an Economic Impact in
Ontario?

Ontarians make 200 million visits
to their local public libraries in
2017. And that number continues
to go up, both in-person and
online.

Are Public Libraries a Good Investment?
Library Year
Return on $1
Invested
Toronto Public Library 2013 $5.63
Halton Hills Public Library 2014 $3.96
Milton Public Library 2014 $5.67
Pickering Public Library 2014 $5.85
Stratford Public Library 2015 $5.63
Sault Ste. Marie Public
Library
2015 $2.36
Kawartha Lakes Public
Library
2015 $7.05
London Public Library 2015 $6.68
Ottawa Public Library 2016 $5.17
Newmarket Public Library 2016 $7.85
Burlington Public Library 2017 $5.64
Hamilton Public Library 2017 $5.59
Vaughan Public Library 2017 $5.57
AVERAGE $5.59
Source: FOPL List of Studies: https://bit.ly/2K0mu0z

Source: Nordicity’s BRIDGE Report:
Are Public Libraries Helping People Find Jobs?
A 2018 Nordicity study found that,
just our users reported that 45% of
them who used the library
technologies found jobs successfully.

Are Public Libraries Transforming Ontarian’s
Lives?
A 2018 Nordicity study found
enormous of levels of outcomes that
are correlated with reducing poverty
and cyclical poverty, decreasing
social isolation, deceasing school
bullying, and higher access to social
services in a non-stigmatized
environment.

just our computer users reported
that 45% of them were using the
library technologies to develop
employable skills.
Do Ontario’s Public Libraries Support Employment?

Are Public Libraries Growing Employment in
Ontario?
library technologies to develop job
search skills.

Are Ontario’s Public Libraries Community Hubs?
that 26% of them reported an
increased level of community
engagement.

Are Ontario’s Public Libraries Growing in Social
Engagement?
library technologies reported an
increased level of social engagement.

Are Public Libraries Supporting Ontarian Creativity?
A 2018 Nordicity study found that
41% of our technology users used the
library technologies to make creative
products.

Source: School Libraries Reports:
You bet!
Our storytimes, summer reading
programs and the Forest of Trees
program have proven positive
impacts on reading skills, school
readiness, and standardized testing
scores.
Do Ontario’s Public Libraries Support Kids?

Source: OPLA Teen Services Report:
Teen engagement at public libraries
is on the rise, with opportunities for
teens in communities big and small
to be involved in the library by
participating in teen advisory groups,
strategic planning, maker spaces,
and advising on physical teen space.
Are Ontario’s Public Libraries Helping Teens?

D0 Public Libraries Support Businesses in
Ontario?
just our computer users reported that
26% of them were using the library to
start, manage, or grow their
businesses.

Public libraries remain a significant
source for teen volunteer
opportunities, with 93% of public
libraries offering opportunities for
teens to volunteer towards their
OSSD volunteer hour requirements.
Are Public Libraries Growing Teens in Ontario?

51.3% of Ontario libraries reported
having a makerspace at their library
– including 50% of libraries serving
fewer than 5,000 people. With more
libraries incorporating makerspace
programming, OPLA has reason to
believe this number has increased
further since original data was
collected.
Are Public Libraries Helping Teens Grow in STEAM Ontario?

Source: MarketProbe Canada Report
The average Ontario public library
cardholder visits their local public
library in person 8.9 times each
year, with up to 2-3 times as many
online & digital visits – with the
latter highest in small and rural
communities.

Do Public Libraries Partner for Teens in Ontario?
Public libraries are an important
community partner, with libraries
reporting more partnerships with
diverse community agencies in
support of effective teen services.
Now, 82% of libraries are partnering
with local schools and 50% are
partnering with social services
agencies.

You bet!
44% of respondents reporting using
technology at the public library were
introduced to a new technology. 52%
of those introduced to a new
technology were over age 55.
Are Public Libraries Supporting Seniors in
Ontario?

You bet!
over age 55.
• So that answer is YES!
Are Public Libraries Supporting Seniors in
Ontario?

Of course not!
Ontario’s public libraries circulated
over 125 million print books in 2017.
and there were e-books too so we let
our cardholders choose.
So that answer is No!
Have Public Libraries abandoned print Books in Ontario?

TeensTeens
Moms
Kids
55+
Readers
&
Creators
Families
Who Uses
Public
Libraries?
Students
Adults
20, 30, &
40
Something
s
Homeless
LGBT
Poor
Parents
Voters
Businesses
Me!
Me! Me!
Me!
Me!
Me!
Me!

introduced to a new technology. 52%
of those introduced to a new
technology were age 55+.
Are Public Libraries Doing Tech in Ontario?

technology at the public library
identified as low income.
Are Public Libraries Supporting
Poverty Reduction in Ontario?

92% of those introduced to a new
technology continued to use it.
84% respondents reporting using
technology at the public library
reported increased digital comfort
with using one or more services.
Is Public Library Technology Working?

Are Public Libraries Lending Wi-Fi?
Many do. Ontario’s public libraries
reporting having over 1,000 Wi-Fi
hotspots to lend! Many lend tablets,
e-readers, and laptops too.

Sure are! The most recent 2017 data
shows that between 29% and 89% of
public libraries have maker spaces!
Are Public Libraries Doing STEAM?

In 2017 over 223,000 Ontarians took
e-courses through the library’s
website.
Are Public Libraries Supporting e-learning?

Do Public Libraries Visit the
Homebound?
In 2017 Public Libraries made 60,000
visits to homebound cardholders (and
more at daycares, hospital, and
nursing homes)!

We’re free and we’re supported as a
public benefit by tax dollars.
We cost less than 18 cents per day –
if Canada still had pennies!
Are Public Libraries Affordable in
Ontario?

Source: OPLA Child services Report:
http://accessola2.com/opla/ChildandYouthReport2015.pdf
Circulation of children’s materials
make up 24% of overall circulation,
while children’s budgets only make
up 17% of overall spending,
indicating that libraries get more
value from children’s materials.
The percentage of library staff in
Child Services is highest (23%) in
communities with populations in
the 15,000 to under 50,000
category.
Are Public Libraries Great for Kids in Ontario?

Do Public Libraries Do Digital?
Sure do, and we’re on the forefront of
providing e-books, e-magazines,
audiobooks, and streaming media!

Does the
Province
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

It’s fun to come to your library. Most
offer 3D printing but there’s more –
photo and video editing,
woodworking, knitting, and a
limitless range of creative programs.
Are Public Libraries Helping us Make and Create?

Are Public Libraries Do Social Media?
We love social media. Follow your
local library on Facebook, Twitter,
Instagram and more! Learn about
programs, courses, events, and new
content.
Ontario’s public libraries are growing
beyond 25 million social media visits

Do Public Libraries Use Volunteers?
Public Libraries engage over 14,500
volunteers, students, co-op students,
and interns every year.

Source: Check out the FOPL website:
Do Public Libraries Have Challenges?
Yes. We struggle and succeed in the
same challenges our communities
face. Technology juggernauts,
growing diversity, changing content
formats, funding challenges, and so
many more. Just adapting to change
but change is our tradition!

Are Public Libraries FUN in Ontario?
Surely you jest! We’re fun for
everyone and all-ages And we’re
inclusive and welcoming too.

Are Public Libraries Lending e-Books?
Of course! An average public library
in Ontario has over 30,000 e-books to
lend.

Are Public Libraries Adapting to the 21st Century?
Other public benefit sectors look to
public libraries in Ontario for models
for adapting well to dynamic change.
We’re growing and thriving.

Do libraries provide databases that
are higher quality than Google.
Ontario’s public libraries subscribe to
over 5,600 high quality databases
that don’t get found on Google!

Source: Market Probe Canada
Are Public Libraries Important in Ontario?
72% of 55+ residents say the
underfunding the public library
would have a major impact on their
lives.

Public Libraries run every type of
event for every interest. Crafts,
travelogues, technology, book clubs,
knit & Natter, and thousands more!

Source: Market Probe Canada
• Public libraries are important
because they promote literacy
and a love of reading
• By providing free access to
materials and resources, the
public library plays an
important role in giving
everyone a chance to succeed
• Having a public library improves
the quality of life in a
community
So that answer is Everything!
What Does the Public See as the Role Public
Libraries in Ontario?

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

Niagara regional presentation april 27 2019

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Niagara regional presentation april 27 2019