We’re excited to share the Bridge 2023/2024 Report: Impact of Technology Services in Ontario Public Libraries with you, which shares results from 22 participating libraries with nearly 6,500 respondents. The report’s findings highlight the critical role that Ontario public libraries play in connecting communities to technology services and supporting digital inclusion.
https://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/content/bridge/pdfs/2023-2024-impact-of-technology-services-in-ontario-public-libraries.pdf
Some key insights from the report:
Libraries as essential digital hubs: Results show that 59% of library users gained access to technology they would not have had otherwise. For those using the library for internet access, 16% lacked home access—rising to 30% in Northern communities.
Fostering social connections: Library technology helps reduce social isolation, with 56% of users leveraging library resources to establish and maintain social connections.
Supporting economic resilience: Library technology services play a vital role in career development and employment outcomes, helping communities build economic stability.
Equity and regional impact: Impacts were strongest for equity-deserving groups and those in Northern communities, underscoring that public libraries are essential infrastructure in bridging Ontario’s digital divide.
Empowering library professionals: Library Impact Ontario continues to support staff through networking opportunities, data literacy resources, and training as part of our Data Literacy, Learning and Support services —enhancing confidence, knowledge, and capacity across the sector.
The data collected through Bridge strengthens advocacy and has supported recent increased investments in library technology services. The results demonstrate the tremendous value of public libraries and their role in fostering social, economic, and digital inclusion.
Please help us spread the word about the Bridge 2023-2024 report and the vital work that libraries do. You can access the digital copy of this report and past reports, along with information about Bridge registration and our Data Literacy, Learning and Support curriculum, on our website: tpl.ca/impact.
Your collaboration and support are what makes the initiative so powerful. Together, we truly make an impact.
Sincerely,
Shawn Mitchell (he/him)
Director
Policy, Planning & Performance Management
Toronto Public Library