by FOPLED | Jun 28, 2017 | FOPL News
The impact of Libraries as Creative Spaces http://plconnect.slq.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/339717/SLQ-Creative-Spaces-Low-Res.pdf Executive Summary Ready access to information through digital media has challenged the perceived societal roles of public libraries. Since the mid 1990s, libraries have reoriented themselves towards public participation beyond lending and reading. Libraries now offer an increasing range of community-focused creative activities. Library spaces are transforming. In addition to housing archival and loan materials, desks and reading spaces, libraries are becoming even more flexible and activity-oriented. Given these transformations, understanding and demonstrating the new contributions public libraries make to their communities is critical. In 2015, the State Library of Queensland (SLQ) commissioned researchers at the Digital Media Research Centre at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to explore the impact of libraries as creative spaces. The objectives of the Libraries as Creative Spaces project were to: • Investigate the community impact of creative spaces in public libraries • Provide clear evidence of this impact • Articulate the opportunities to further embed creative spaces in public libraries or community spaces. The methods used included: • A contextual review of thinking regarding libraries as creative spaces • A literature review on the evaluation of creative activity in libraries and creative spaces more generally • Interviews and observational field research at selected Queensland libraries • The development and refinement of an evidence-based Creative Spaces Impact Framework • The development of an associated rich media package (including videos, photos and digital stories) showcasing library-based creative activity across Queensland in 2015. The contextual review highlights the attention being paid to makerspaces as a site of creative activity in public libraries. However, the review also points to the many other ways...
by FOPLED | Jun 27, 2017 | FOPL News
Doing Away with Fines A consummation devoutly to be wished? Doing Away with Fines ...
by FOPLED | Jun 27, 2017 | FOPL News
Good afternoon. You may already be aware that the CRTC has issued a Telecom Notice of Consultation and is accepting submissions / comments regarding the development of its broadband funding regime. http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2017/2017-112.htm This notice may be of interest to you. You may also wish to share this information with your membership. Please note that the deadline for submissions is June 28, 2017 Sincerely, Sarah Sarah Hahn Manager (A) | Culture Policy Unit Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (416-314-1363 |...
by FOPLED | Jun 27, 2017 | FOPL News
On May 1, 2017, at the Community Hubs Summit, Premier Kathleen Wynne announced that the Province will be launching a program to maintain select surplus public properties for up to 18 months to give community organizations more time to develop plans for community hubs on those properties. Once the program is launched, community proponents will be able to submit proposals to create community hubs at surplus provincial, school board or hospital properties. If selected, the properties will be maintained in public ownership while community proponents develop their business plans, partnerships, and funding arrangements. We are actively working on the details of the program design and expect to make them public by the end of June 2017. Today’s letter is intended to give community proponents more time to prepare for this opportunity. It is important to note that the willingness of the current property owner to participate in the program will be required. It is equally important to note that existing rules and regulations pertaining to the circulation of surplus public property would continue to apply, including O. Reg. 444/98 which deals with the disposition of surplus school property. I would also like to remind you we recently launched the Community Hubs Resource Network (https://www.communityhubsontario.ca), an online resource that provides information, tools and data to help build, sustain and operate community hubs. I would encourage those of you who haven’t already created a profile to do so. It is an exceptional resource for those who have expertise in this area, as well as for those who are looking for support in developing community hubs. Our government is committed to making...
by FOPLED | Jun 27, 2017 | FOPL News
News Release Ontario Increasing Access to Technology at Public Libraries June 22, 2017 Province Helping Libraries to Improve and Expand IT and Digital Services Ontario is helping people stay connected by increasing access to technology, digital services and training opportunities at public libraries in towns, cities and Indigenous communities across the province. Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport was at the Burlington Central Library today to announce a new investment that will give people better access to resources like Wi-Fi hot spot lending programs, computers, printers, e-readers and technology-focused training. Improving digital resources and services in rural, remote and First Nation public libraries was one of the top three ideas selected by people during Budget Talks, the consultations for the 2017 Ontario Budget. This idea received the second highest number of votes. Ontario is expanding on what was heard during the budget consultations and extending this support to all public libraries in the province. This investment builds on a commitment in Ontario’s Culture Strategy to support Ontario’s public and First Nation libraries as essential spaces for people to access cultural experiences, technology and community life. Investing in Ontario’s public libraries is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives. QUICK FACTS Ontario is investing $3 million through the Improving Library Digital Services fund and will support up to 307 libraries and library organizations across the province. This includes $1 million for rural, remote and First Nation public libraries through Budget Talks. Libraries will determine how their funding will be used, based on specific local needs. Every year, Ontario’s...
