Here is a copy of the joint submission (FOPL, OLA, OLBA, OSLA, OPLA, TALCO, CULC in consultation with SOLS and OLS-North) to the Premier’s Advisory Group on Community Hubs that we submitted on June 3, 2015).
Karen Pitre
Special Advisor to the Premier on Community Hubs
Government of Ontario
Toronto, ON
Dear Karen:
Thank you for the great conversation on the telephone, and thank you for this opportunity to provide input from our sector. You suggested that I should meet Doug Reycraft and I would welcome that. We have focused on Public & School Libraries as community hubs for centuries. We understand you want to hear from us, specifically our views about the provincial barriers to successful community hubs.
Attached is our submission in Word and PDF formats.
Of particular interest to your special advisory position and team is some of the work currently being accomplished by FOPL and which we can also share with your team. This includes:
- A Market Probe Canada 2015 public opinion poll on the attitudes and use of public libraries on Ontario that was recently completed for FOPL.
- An analysis of public library engagement with their communities from 2001-2013 that will be completed for FOPL ion spring 2015 and released to members.
- A census of digital presence of all public libraries in Ontario and some analysis of the role of digital communities as public library hub strategies.
- Recent research on the roles of public libraries to measurably contribute to and enhance school performance, the economic performance of communities, job and career activities, and the health and vitality of Ontarians.
All of these data show the essential relationship of public libraries as key community hubs and existing physical and digital infrastructure that can be exploited further to benefit Ontario residents.
Again, thank you for the opportunity to submit this short submission. It highlights some of our ideas and could foster greater success when aided by cabinet level leadership. We would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss and clarify our suggestions and evidence, and can make ourselves available at your convenience.
Ontario Libraries are ready to support your efforts as you study the opportunities for our province within community hub strategies. As you noted, we have a great deal of experience in this area. Should you require consultation spaces as you continue your deliberations, in any place in Ontario, we’re here to help.
Sincerely,
Stephen Abram
Stephen Abram
Executive Director
Federation of Ontario Public Libraries
“One Voice for Ontario’s Public Libraries”
Submitted by:
Ontario Library Association
Ontario Public Library Association
Ontario School Library Association
The Association of Library Consultants and Coordinators of Ontario
Ontario Library Boards Association
Canadian Urban Libraries Council
In consultation with:
Southern Ontario Library Service
Ontario Library Services – North
22 Page PDF: PitreSubmissionJune 3 2015