by FOPLED | May 29, 2023 | Uncategorized
Ajax Public Library CEO Sarah Vaisler speaks with Ismaila Alfa on CBC’s “Fresh Air” to talk about upcoming drag queen storytimes. CEOs in Durham Region released a letter to counter recent pushback to the events being held and went on to speak about how the core of these programs is to promote acceptance, diversity and inclusion, something that resonates very strongly with public library values. Listen to the full segment here:...
by FOPLED | May 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
The Ontario Library Service continues to implement the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative, a $4.85M project investment made by the Province of Ontario to upgrade broadband internet service at approximately 50 public libraries in unserved and underserved communities across the province. To date through the Connecting Public Libraries Initiative (CLI), 13 public library branches have been connected with improved speeds of at least 50/10mbps. This improved connection reaches over 35,000 Ontarians providing more reliable connectivity through the local public library. This will enable greater participation in critical services such as online health care, remote work, and online education. Today, we share the exciting news that Beausoleil First Nation Public Library has been connected. With funding from this project, a new tower was constructed, which will enable the entire community to access faster and more reliable internet, not just the library. To read the full story, click...
by FOPLED | Apr 25, 2023 | Uncategorized
Researchers from McMaster University, Ontario Tech University and the University at Buffalo are conducting a study on digital literacy training initiatives for the general public led by public libraries. CULC and CFLA are two of the partner organizations on this SSHRC-funded project. The attached letter of information provides more details about the study. Please forward this email to administrators and instructors in your library who may be interested in completing a survey. The first 200 library administrators and 300 library instructors who fill out a survey are eligible to receive an optional $20 Amazon gift card. Library administrators are asked to fill out the following 30-minute survey: https://uoit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fbQNjCbPdQDNMG. Instructors are asked to fill out the following 30-minute survey: https://uoit.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_56WIcRYLi1uZ4Gy. Instructors at the end of their survey will be asked if they can advertise a 15-minute survey to adult end-users in their classes. The first 300 instructors who fill out a survey and agree to advertise the end-user survey to adults in their classes are eligible to receive an optional, additional $5 towards their Amazon gift card. The researchers will not tell anyone who has or has not participated in the study. This study has been reviewed and cleared by the McMaster Research Ethics Board and the Ontario Tech Research Ethics Board. If you have any questions or comments about this study, please contact libstudy@mcmaster.ca....
by FOPLED | Apr 21, 2023 | Uncategorized
Truth & Reconciliation Plan – FOPLThe Indigenous Libraries Working Group has created the above linked document to guide the work of the federation as we strive towards reconciliation. FOPL, as a provincial federation, made up of Ontario library system members, has the opportunity to be a leader in Truth and Reconciliation work within our provincial library system. This document outlines areas where FOPL can be a catalyst for change and disruptor of current mores. Additionally, this document will provide a shortlist of efforts our library members may wish to address in their own...
by FOPLED | Apr 13, 2023 | Advocacy Updates
Stakeholder consultations with the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Sport were concluded in late March. We will be staying in touch with Ministry staff and offering any follow-up they may require. The MTCS has expressed an interest in “modernizing” the library sector’s funding contribution and we are hopeful that we will see some movement on our provincial priorities. The 2023 Provincial Budget was released on March 23rd. It came as no surprise that there was no mention of an increase or additional commitment to public libraries. Despite our fantastic media attention and recent consults with the MTCS the timing was very tight for the 2023 budget and we knew we were already looking ahead to 2024. On the whole lots of sectors and issues that are typically covered have no mention. The government has gone for a laser focus on a few key areas (key economic sectors, workforce development inc. health, etc.) and modest spending increases (scroll down for the budget press release for links). Health and education in particular are below inflation and growth needs. We have reached out to the MTCS to confirm that library sector funding will remain stable. FOPL and OLA also had the opportunity to meet with Connor Scott, MPP Liaison and Policy Advisor to Minister Neil Lumsden. As there was much buzz at the MTCS after our flurry of media attention and Mr. Scott wished to be briefed on the library portfolio. This was a great connection for us and shows us that there is definitely talk about us at the ministry. As you may have heard, FOPL was all over the news...
