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...

Ontario’s 2020 Fall Budget Consultations

The Ontario Library Association, with the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL), has submitted recommendations as part of Ontario’s 2020 Fall Pre-Budget consultation process. Libraries are an essential part of Ontario’s COVID-19 recovery. The following priority recommendations by OLA and FOPL will ensure that libraries can continue to adapt and perform their critical role during the disruption of the pandemic and beyond: Maintain critical provincial funding for Ontario’s public libraries at current levels and work with municipalities to prevent unsustainable cuts to public library funding. Leverage Ontario’s broadband action plan funding to ensure that modern broadband connectivity is available in more public library branches in communities across Ontario. Provide critical e-learning support through fair access to modern, digital resources for the people of Ontario – no matter where they live – by creating an Ontario Digital Public Library. Preserve the proven impact of school libraries on student achievement and success by requiring that provincial funds currently allocated for school libraries, teacher-librarians and school library professionals are used for their intended purpose. Learn more: Read the OLA and FOPL’s Joint Fall 2020 Pre Budget Submission. Read the Executive Summary     Send your MPP OLA and FOPL’s Pre-Budget Submission We understand it may be difficult to meet with your MPP during this time. You can still help amplify OLA and FOPL’s Pre-Budget submission by writing to your MPP to share our joint recommendations: Template Letter – introducing the budget submission OLA and FOPL’s Joint Fall 2020 Pre Budget Submission Complete the Direct Submission Tracking Worksheet to let us know you’ve shared this with your MPP Organizing a meeting with your MPP? If you are able to organize a meeting with your...

CCA is still accepting YCW applications for the current fiscal year / Le CCA accepte toujours les demandes JCT pour l’année fiscale en cours

Le français suit. Dear Colleagues, The Canadian Council of Archives is continuing to accept applications for both Young Canada Works (YCW) short-term jobs (summer jobs) and internships in archives (operating in French and English) and libraries (operating in English) to be undertaken during the current fiscal year 2020-2021. Students and graduates have demonstrated resilience as we have all faced the pandemic. Many students are still looking for work, while graduates are looking to increase their experience to be better prepared for the job market.  With the increased flexibility for YCW jobs, this is an unprecedented opportunity for archives and libraries to increase the pool of skilled candidates in the heritage sector and realize important work.  Students and graduates are working on site and remotely! Current projects underway across Canada include updating finding aids and online content, transcription, digitization work, outreach and literacy initiatives, fall and winter programming, etc. For the 2020-2021 fiscal year only, the YCW contribution to help with the salary costs of each candidate is 85% (as opposed to the usual maximum of 75%).  Further, your project can exceed the regular maximum funding thresholds for YCW positions and additional resources are available to support youth at risk. As an employer, you can submit a project that includes onsite or remote supervision. Your candidate may work full-time, part-time, or a combination of full-time and part-time.  You may also consider selecting a candidate who has previously worked at your institution on a YCW project or another government-funded position. Please remember that if you apply, your student or intern position must end on or before March 31, 2021. We have...

Ontario Supporting Independent Book and Magazine Publishers

  News Release Ontario Supporting Independent Book and Magazine Publishers October 5, 2020 Targeted programs will help promote Canadian content to a broader global audience TORONTO ― The Ontario government is investing nearly $5 million in grants to help independent local book and magazine publishers access new markets and bring Canadian creative content to new audiences, both at home and around the world. The funding will be used for business development, enable participation in virtual industry activities and events, allow for the development of business strategies, and support innovative business practices. Ontario Creates, an agency of the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, approved 95 grants to Ontario-based businesses to support the recovery of Ontario’s culture industry, including: 32 grant recipients approved through the Book Fund, supporting the business development of independent, Ontario-based book publishers as they promote the works of Canadian authors in both foreign and domestic markets. 20 grant recipients through the Book Export Fund to help Ontario publishers participate in virtual industry activities and events that will help them build their networks, access new international markets and support company growth. 42 recipients through the Magazine Fund, providing grant funding to independent Ontario-based magazine publishers to support business strategies that will help them grow their businesses and reach new audiences. 1 recipient through the Industry Development Program, supporting innovative business practices with grant funding that helps businesses grow and develop industry-related skills to become a leader in the market. “When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Ontario’s heritage, sport, tourism and culture industries were among the first and hardest hit. They will take the longest to recover but are vital to the...