You May Spot FOPL in the News!

The Federation of Ontario Public Libraries has received some attention that past few days as we make our pitch to the Ontario Government for a province wide Digital Public Library. The Canadian Press report by Allison Jones titled, “Libraries ask for Ontario-wide digital system to ensure equal access to materials” was published in 56 news outlets today, March 14th. Notable outlets that carried the story, ordered by highest potential media reach, are: CTV News Toronto Global News The Toronto Star CP24 City News Kitchener The Toronto Sun Yahoo! News Canada FOPL was covered in several broadcast outlets, in both television and radio. It was mentioned in 20 unique outlets, being broadcast multiple times on some stations. The most notable broadcast hits are those from CityNews 680, CP24 and CBC Radio Sudbury. For those who are not yet FOPL members, but are interested in learning more about it ask, we encourage you to read our Provincial Budget Submission. This outlines our three main priorities and some background info about the Ontario Digital Public Library. We’re asking for an investment of 9.4 mil annually for the Ontario Digital Public Library (ODPL). This was calculated in 2019 based on consortium models from other provinces who have something like the ODPL already in place. Our Executive Director, Dina Stevens, will be involved in interviews throughout the week on this subject. Check out the CP24 interview HERE Check out the Global News interview HERE Check out The Agenda interview HERE Check out the ICI Radio-Canada Première CBEF HERE Check out the CBC 99.9 FM (CBCS) interview HERE Check out the CBC Radio One 89.1FM...

February 2023

FOPL was granted a deputation to the Standing Committee of Economic Affairs and Finance on February 13th to compliment our Pre-Budget Submission to the Ministry of Finance. Our sector has had, in total, six deputations to the Standing Committee and/or the Minister of Finance combined this budget season. I’m so energized by the way our sector has really come together to support our goals! We have certainly made ourselves heard. A big thank you to everyone who took the time to apply and present on behalf of libraries across the province. FOPL and OLA were formally invited to consult with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport on February 24th along with a few other key stakeholders. These consultations have been framed as information-gathering sessions as the MTCS seeks input to modernize support for Ontario’s public libraries. The purpose was to discuss the current priorities, opportunities and issues impacting public libraries so that the MTCS can develop a path forward. We are VERY encouraged by these consultations and delighted that the Ministry is engaged and looking for ways to improve its contribution to our sector. Read FOPL’s Pre-Budget...

OCUL Seeks New Director

The Ontario Council of University Library (OCUL) is searching for an Executive Director. OCUL is Ontario’s academic library consortium, comprised of 21 libraries with a mission to “collaborate to enhance research supports and create rich learning environments for Ontario’s diverse and growing university population.” Reporting to the Chair of the OCUL Executive Committee, the Executive Director (ED) oversees the organization’s staff, planning, administration, and operations budget of over $5 million annually, and a content licensing budget of over $21 million annually. On behalf of the consortium, the ED sets programs, services, and infrastructure, and oversees technology and service activities. The ED manages the OCUL staff team of seven, as well as a dotted line report from the leadership of the Scholars Portal unit of the University of Toronto Libraries, which provides core technology services to OCUL. The Candidate Brief is attached to this blog post and we’ve linked to the job posting here: https://griffithgroup.ca/executive-director-ocul/. Candidate Brief – OCUL – Executive Director...

Second Notice – Annual General Meeting

Hello Members, The Annual General Meeting for the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries will take place virtually via Zoom on Friday, June 10th at 10:00am. Registration will begin at 9:30am. The Draft Agenda Package can be found on the website under AGM in the members section. Only members in good standing are eligible to attend and vote at the AGM.   Registration is Required To attend the AGM, please register on Eventbrite. The zoom link to attend will be sent via Eventbrite after registration. REGISTER HERE   Proxies The Proxy Form is available on the AGM webpage. The proxy form is designed to provide Members who, for whatever reason, cannot attend the AGM, with a method of participation in the meeting.  Proxies also ensure that quorum is achieved for this very important meeting. Proxy forms can be sent to admin@fopl.ca. Proxy forms can be sent in until Thursday, June 9th at 4:00pm. If members have any questions with any of the information provided in this Second Notice of the 2022 Annual General Meeting, please contact admin@fopl.ca. — Hannah Saunders FOPL Administrative...