Library Value Projects
Download as PPTX, PDF3 likes290 views
This document summarizes a presentation about library value projects. It provides an agenda that discusses lessons learned from an economic impact study of the Toronto Public Library, including how its clear methodology has been adopted by other libraries. It also discusses how economic impact is only one limited measure and that libraries contribute much more in terms of social impact. Examples of other studies discussed include space use studies in Canada, community employment studies in Canada, and evaluations of rural libraries in Ontario. Metrics and methods for evaluating programming success in public libraries are also reviewed.
Library Value Projects
- 1. Library Value Projects Presented by Kimberly Silk, MLS Principal, Brightsail Research & Consulting Hidden Gems: Finding and Creating Value in Libraries OLS-North Conference September 27, 2017
- 2. Agenda • TPL Study Process & Timeline • Lessons Learned • Beyond Financial Impact: Social Impact Studies Space Use Studies (Canada) Community Employment Studies (Canada) Rural libraries: Bancroft PL & Hastings Highlands PL PLA Project Outcome (North America)
- 3. TPL Study Timeline November 2012 TPL Board passes motion to undertake economic impact study January 2013 Toronto City Council passes motion requesting City Librarian prepare economic impact report prior April 2013 TPL Distribute s RFP for economic impact study May 2013 MPI Awarded Contract, Begins Work Decemb er 2013 TPL Study Released February 2014 TPL budget approved. The net budget represents a 1.4% increase over the 2013 budget.
- 4. TPL Study: Lessons Learned • Clear methodologies are likely to be adopted by other libraries to date, 14 libraries across Canada have used the model. common methodologies provide longitudinal data for benchmarking.
- 5. TPL Study: Lessons Learned • Economic is only one, limited, impact measure. • Libraries contribute SO MUCH MORE.
- 6. Space Use Studies • Leckie, G. J., & Hopkins, J. (2002). The Public Place of Central Libraries: Findings from Toronto and Vancouver. The Library Quarterly, 72(3), 326–372. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.myaccess.library.utoronto.ca/stable/40039762 • Given, L. M., & Leckie, G. J. (2003). “Sweeping” the library: Mapping the social activity space of the public library. Library & Information Science Research, 25(4), 365–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0740-8188(03)00049-5 • MacDonald, V., & Haug, C. (2012). Edmonton Public Library Seating Sweeps Report. Edmonton, AB: Edmonton Public Library. Retrieved from https://www2.epl.ca/public- files/reports/seating_sweeps_public_report.pdf?_ga=2.99514903.861280485.1502637912- 319771238.1502637912 • Given, L. M., & Archibald, H. (2015). Visual traffic sweeps (VTS): A research method for mapping user activities in the library space. Library & Information Science Research, 37(2), 100–108. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2015.02.005 • Silk, K. (Forthcoming). Space Use Study: Brampton Library, Calgary Public Library and Markham Public Library. Toronto: Canadian Urban Libraries Council.
- 7. Community Employment Studies • Sawyer, R. (1996). The economic and job creation benefits of Ontario public libraries. The Bottom Line: Managing Library Finances, 9(4), 14–26. https://doi.org/10.1108/08880459610131781 • Schell, J. (2016). Workforce Development Services at EPL. Edmonton, AB: Edmonton Public Library. Retrieved from https://www.epl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/18/2015/08/Job- Seekers-Report.pdf • Silk, K. (Forthcoming). Public Library Impact on Community Employment Study. Toronto: Canadian Urban Libraries Council.
- 8. Evaluation & Measurement in Rural Ontario Public Libraries • OLA Super Conference 2017 presentation by CEOs of Bancroft PL & Hastings Highlands PL • Reviewed Mission, Vision and Strategic Plan to identify indicators of success • Implemented measures to evaluate programming • Qualitative & Quantitative methods • Determined clear success factors: program growth, increased demand, meeting outcomes • Shared results widely
- 9. PLA Project Outcome: “What Good Did We Do?” Measuring 4 key outcomes • Knowledge • Confidence • Application • Awareness Across 7 library service areas • Civic / Community Engagement • Digital Learning • Economic Development • Education / Lifelong Learning • Early Childhood Literacy • Job Skills • Summer Reading Free to all libraries – including here in Canada Consistent methodologies Results dashboard
- 10. Thank you. Kimberly Silk, MLS Principal, Brightsail Research & Consulting kim@brightsail.com